Bail Compliance Dashboard helping police share data on individuals on bail for firearms offences
The Ontario government is cracking down on repeat and violent offenders by launching the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard. This new tool will allow police services to monitor, consolidate and share critical information related to individuals on bail for firearms-related offences.
“Complying with bail and court-ordered conditions is not optional – it is mandatory to keep our streets safe,” said Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform Graham McGregor. “The hardworking people of Ontario deserve to live without fear of having a gun shoved in their face to rob them or steal their car, and our government is giving police the tools they need to monitor high-risk offenders for firearms offences and prevent further crime.”
The new bail compliance dashboard is a situational awareness and investigative tool that is managed by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). A phased operational release has already begun with the following police services onboard: OPP, Guelph Police Service, York Regional Police Service, Peel Regional Police Service and Toronto Police Service. The dashboard is available to all Ontario municipal and First Nation police services who want to participate.
“This tool marks a groundbreaking shift in public safety,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “The Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard will enhance public and officer safety by enabling Ontario police services to verify that high-risk and repeat violent offenders are complying with their bail conditions for firearms-related offences. This frontline tool elevates situational awareness for officers to help keep them and our communities safe as well as prevent further victimization.”
The dashboard is part of the government’s $112 million investment to strengthen bail monitoring and enforcement of high-risk and repeat violent offenders, ensuring they strictly comply with their bail conditions to protect our communities. This investment also includes the new Bail Compliance and Warrant Apprehension Grant, the Bail Compliance Unit within the OPP-led Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad and the Serious Violent Crime Bail Teams within the courts system.
Quick Facts
- Year One (2023-24) of the Bail Compliance and Warrant Apprehension Grant, participating police services saw a 21 per cent increase in the number of high-risk individuals being monitored by bail compliance technology and networks in Ontario, totalling 2,978 individuals which resulted in 429 new charges being laid.
- In October 2024, the Ontario government called on the federal government to implement comprehensive reforms to the Criminal Code, emphasizing the need for stricter bail conditions and measures to get repeat and violent offenders off our streets.
- Over 90 per cent of firearms used in crimes are illegally smuggled into Ontario from across the border. Ontario is tackling the problem of rising gun violence by monitoring criminals more effectively, enforcing strict compliance with bail conditions for firearm-related offences, and cracking down on illegal firearm trafficking.
Quotes
“Collaboration is critical to effective policing, and the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard is a game-changer in enhancing our ability to monitor high-risk offenders and share vital information across the province,” said Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw. “Addressing gun violence remains a top priority for the Toronto Police Service, and this tool allows us to consolidate and analyze data, making our cities and officers safer. We thank the Government of Ontario for investing in tools that empower police services to better serve and protect our communities. We also thank our talented members who collaborate across jurisdictional boundaries to support safer communities everywhere.”
– Myron Demkiw
Chief, Toronto Police Service (TPS)
“Peel Regional Police is proud to partner with police services across the province to enhance bail compliance oversight and enforcement. By providing increased access and availability to such vital information, our officers will be better equipped to monitor and conduct bail compliance checks and, ultimately, keep our communities safe.”
– Nishan Duraiappah
Chief, Peel Regional Police
“Everyone deserves to live in safe, vibrant communities. The Government of Ontario’s investment in the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard will provide our police officers with critical information related to individuals on bail for firearms-related offences. Ensuring offender accountability and compliance with release conditions is paramount and the Dashboard will be a vital tool that will enhance public and officer safety in our province. Everyone can get behind that.”
– Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie
President, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
“The Police Association of Ontario commends the provincial government for introducing the new Bail Compliance Dashboard. This province-wide mapping database is a significant step forward in enhancing public safety by equipping our members with the tools needed to effectively track offenders released on bail for firearm-related offences. The dashboard will lead to increased collaboration between police services throughout the province and give more information to police service members to better protect our communities. Initiatives like this demonstrate a commitment to community safety and the importance of supporting front-line officers in their efforts to keep our communities safe.”
– Mark Baxter
President, Police Association of Ontario
“The launch of the Provincial Bail Compliance Dashboard is a vital step in holding repeat and violent offenders accountable. This tool will enable police services to track and share critical information about individuals on bail for firearms offences, ensuring stricter adherence to bail conditions. The OPP is proud to lead this initiative, with full support from the OPP Association, reinforcing our commitment to community safety and backing the government’s efforts to build a safer Ontario.”
– John Cerasuolo
President, OPP Association
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
