November 9, 1999

To: Administration Committee, City of Toronto

From: Norman Gardner, Chairman

Subject: Amendments to the Municipal By-Law with regard to processing "droveaway" parking tags

Purpose:

To request the Administration Committee to prepare draft amendments to the Municipal By-Law so that "droveaway" parking tags can be processed under part II of the Provincial Offences Act.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

The Toronto Police Services Board has not been advised about any financial implications with regard to this matter.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the Administration Committee prepare draft amendments to the Municipal By-Law so that "droveaway" parking tags can be processed under part II of the Provincial Offences Act.

Background:

At its meeting on October 19, 1999, the Toronto Police Services Board was in receipt of the following report SEPTEMBER 29, 1999 from David J. Boothby, Chief of Police:

"SUBJECT: Information Requested by the Toronto Police Services Board relating to Parking Enforcement Unit

RECOMMENDATION: 1) THAT the Board receive this report for information.

BACKGROUND:

At its meeting of August 12, 1999, the Toronto Police Services Board (Board Minute 347/99) requested information pertaining to the following:

Written Guidelines on Unit Performance Standards:

The 1999 Unit Performance Standards have been set in the areas of (a) non-processible tags and (b) non-patrol hours by platoon and by officer for tag issuance. In order to ensure these standards are met a review of officer and platoon performance is conducted at the completion of each Compressed Work Week cycle. Another performance standard, parking tag issuance by officer by area, is being developed for implementation in 2000.

The implementation of this additional performance standard will be in conjunction with implementing the final stages of the management information system that will give supervisors a complete picture of a members work performance.

Also with approval of a year 2000 Operating Budget a training program will be introduced that will teach Supervisory staff the skills necessary to deal with performance standards. These courses include: Coach Officers Course, Instructional Techniques, and Counselling and Evaluation Techniques. This training is required to ensure professional, protective performance counselling.

Update on the Rationale to "Input Spoiled Tags":

This feature, although non-revenue in nature, is of paramount importance for investigative tracking so that the integrity of the system can be assured.

Cost Analysis of Hand-Held Automatic Tagging Machines verses Current Procedures:

The Service's previous cost analysis of hand-held equipment did not support the use of hand-helds but since that time technology has progressed. In fact, there are now hand-helds that appear to suit the needs of the Service, however, the one major problem that must be overcome before the Service can move to hand-helds is the compatibility of a bank processible paper. Because of the outstanding paper issues, these machines do not produce a Parking Tag suitable for processing by the banks. Presently banks process more than 72% of the issued tags. Once this problem has been solved Parking Enforcement will re-evaluate hand-held machines with the intent of incorporating these machines into it's operation.

It is believed that with the introduction of hand-helds there will be two benefits. First the cost of processing the tags will be reduced; present annual estimate of $500,000 by Parking Tag Operations. Secondly, there will be a positive impact on the officer controllable errors specifically in the following areas: illegible, incomplete, and change not initialled. However, without solving the paper problem we can not complete a pilot project so that an objective evaluation can take place.

Status of the Request to the Province to Amend Legislation That Would Resolve Issues Regarding "Droveaway Tags":

The Parking Enforcement Unit, in conjunction with the City's Parking Tag Operations Office, the Solicitor's Office, and the Office of the Director of Prosecutions have met to explore legislative change, and discuss alternative solutions. City Legal reports that they are currently looking at amending the Municipal Bylaw to allow for droveway tags to be processed under Part II of the Provincial Offences Act. For more precise timing and information, this question should be referred to City Legal.

It is recommended that the Board receive this report for information.

Superintendent Douglas Reynolds (808-6653) will be present at the Board meeting to answer any questions."

Conclusions:

Gerald Parker, President, Beyond Ability, was in attendance and made a deputation to the Board.

Supt. Doug Reynolds, Parking Enforcement Unit, was also in attendance and discussed this report with the Board.

The Board received the foregoing report and Mr. Parker's deputation and approved the following Motions:

(1) THAT the Chief of Police provide the Board with a report by March 2000 on the following:

· implementation of the new performance standard: parking tag issuance by officer by area

· implementation of final stages of the management information system for supervisors

· results of the development of the supervisory training program; and

(2) THAT a copy of this report be forwarded to the City of Toronto Administration Committee for information and request that it prepare draft amendments to the Municipal By-Law to allow for "droveaway tags" to be processed under Part II of the Provincial Offences Act.

Contact:

Superintendent Doug Reynolds, Parking Enforcement Unit, Toronto Police Service, telephone no. (416) 808-6653 or fax no. (416) 808-6602.

Norman Gardner

Chairman

a: droveaway.doc