Derry serves as a police liaison member on the executive board of the non-profit Toronto Association of Police and Private Security (TAPPS).

“This is an effective partnership between the private and public security sector,” he says. “It has evolved from a system that involved using faxed security bulletins from 52 Division about 12 years ago, into a network that shares security information using the Internet.”

Nick Migliore, TAPPS’ chair, a principal with the Reilly Group of Companies and former head of security for the CN Tower, has been with the organization from the beginning. He says embracing technology by creating a web-based crime-fighting tool has helped to create a virtual community, but the group also gathers together in person at least six times a year for professional development sessions. These cover a wide range of issues, from dealing with gangs and guns, to effective emergency preparedness measures. Getting together strengthens co-operation between public and private security, he adds — and it is critical in a city the size Toronto.

“The police are great, but they can’t be every where,” Migliore says. “And the private sector couldn’t do everything by ourselves. More than ever before, everyone is dealing with the issues that confront every major city. We need everyone’s help and support.”

TAPPS members regularly post alerts on the members’ area of the bulletin board, which can also include photos and full-length reports. The public area of the site also has links to a number of police forces, public safety organizations, news releases, and law enforcement publications.

“This helps create a dialogue and exchange between police and private security,” he says. “Then, when we get together for training and information sessions, you start to recognize names and faces. It’s an opportunity to get to know who the point people are, and since every member has the chance to host a session, we get to know where people are working as well.”

TAPPS doesn’t focus solely on crime. The association is also working diligently to ensure its membership is kept current on emergency preparedness measures, says Derry.

“The training sessions help everyone involved have a more comprehensive view of security in Toronto,” he says. “We are no longer confined just to the few blocks of downtown Toronto. Our membership includes the wider metropolitan area and beyond. This is a valuable partnership.”

Migliore says the focus on emergency preparedness has helped to create a better understanding of the potentionally complex issues facing security professionals who work in the health care industry. Talking about procedures, and learning who to call and when, will help TAPPS create linkages not only with law enforcement, but also with local emergency response agencies.

“The big lesson learned after 9/11, and to a degree, our own SARS crisis, is that effective and immediate communication is critical,” he adds. “We are learning to work better together all the time. That means that critical information is disseminated immediately and effectively, and ultimately, that will keep the whole city safer.”

For more information about TAPPS, including how to become a member and details about upcoming training sessions, visit the website at www.tapps.org