{"id":14611,"date":"2019-02-26T19:46:08","date_gmt":"2019-02-27T00:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ojen.ca?p=14611"},"modified":"2019-06-25T11:38:15","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T15:38:15","slug":"checks-balances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ojen2024.turnbull.co\/en\/checks-balances","title":{"rendered":"Checks & Balances: Increase Understanding of New Street Check Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"

As of January 1, 2017, new regulations<\/a> came into effect in Ontario that sought to clarify the procedure police officers must follow when they ask civilians to identify themselves.  This practice, commonly referred to as street checks or carding, has been extremely controversial, disproportionately affecting people of colour and minorities. The new rules attempt to regulate street checks, prevent arbitrary stops, reduce bias in interactions with the police, and increase the accountability of law enforcement.<\/p>\n

With funding from the City of Toronto and the Law Foundation of Ontario, OJEN developed Checks and Balances<\/strong>, a program to increase understanding of these new rules as well as individuals\u2019 legal rights with police.  The program is being offered to youth and frontline youth workers in Toronto\u2019s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and high-risk communities.<\/p>\n

Since the summer of 2018, OJEN has delivered 6 multi-session workshops for youth throughout Toronto.  The program uses interactive scenario-based activities to engage youth participants and reinforce learning.  The youth also have the opportunity to meet with members of the justice system.  Over the course of the program, participants:<\/p>\n