THUNDER BAY – Editorial -Crime – An anonymous hacker group that is still targeting Thunder Bay Police has stated they will wait. Working on what Operation Thunderbird, the anonymous group states, “We’re just a bunch of internet activists who have other jobs and lovers, if not families, and who seem to know how to do your job better than you do. And, without getting paid great wads of dough for sitting around writing up racist, mock press releases. At this point, we’re completely ready to hand you back your asses“.
The posting puts what appears an outside technology based analysis to the efforts of the Thunder Bay Police based on information in the public domain.
No Massive Action Against Police
Likely many thought today there would be some massive action against police. The anonymous group posts, “We are well aware that certain people are hoping that we will be trashing the Thunder Bay Police website, defacing it with a giant cock, leaking all the mails. Delicious delicious justice.
“Instead, we are pursuing a minimalist route.
“We want justice done in this case. Now!
“We want the truth to be told about what happened on December 27
“We want the criminals who did this no longer to be able to hide out in plain sight.
“Our strategy is to make it impossible to avoid justice for the woman who suffered a ferocious hate rape.
“So we’re not posting anything internal – for now – there are plenty of racist rape cases over which any “protect and serve” police with any sense of shame whatsoever should be mighty hang dog. We don’t need to d0x and hack – yet – condemning evidence is available a plenty in the public domain”.
Relations have been strained
At the Idle No More Rally at City Hall yesterday, there was a significant police presence. A total of twenty officers were on hand. Thunder Bay Mayor Hobbs, who has reached out to the First Nations and Aboriginal communities said that “Respect must go both ways, from the police to the people, and from the people to the police.” Talking to several officers on duty yesterday, they were there in a helpful spirit.
Relations between the Aboriginal Community and the Thunder Bay Police have been strained. Taking that relationship forward is critical for the future of our community.
There is a path forward…
Many first steps have been taken. At an event at Lakehead University on March 18th 2012, Mayor Hobbs opened up to offer an apology for things that he said in the past.
The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation has stepped up seeking to take more steps forward.
Elders, grandparents, and parents in the north have taken their concerns forward through their Chiefs and Councils. Those First Nations who are owners of Wasaya Group directed Wasaya to work toward building a youth centre in the city. That is moving forward in Thunder Bay in a rare and very positive public private partnership.
Police Respond to Hacker Group
Responding to the release of evidence and comments online, Thunder Bay Police state: “The Thunder Bay Police are aware of the release of information from a possible witness related to the ongoing investigation into the abduction and sexual assault of a local aboriginal woman. The release was made available to the public via social media and radio”.
Thunder Bay Police state that they are continuing to investigate the information and are attempting to work with the source to obtain evidence that may be associated to the investigation. The witness has not yet come forward to police.
The message from the youth who preferred to talk to a CBC reporter, rather than the Thunder Bay Police is a visible indication of the depth to which the relationship needs to be repaired.
The reality is that a great majority of the front-line officers working for the TBPA have a great deal of care and concern for all the people they serve. Is every officer perfect? Likely not, but then every person anywhere else is perfect either.
When both sides come together, and start communicating it is very likely that there will be a greater coming together in the community.
Solutions:
- More forums where the public and police can engage in discussions; perhaps in forums without the media.
- Supporting more Community Action Groups in Thunder Bay neighbourhoods. The Windsor Community Action Group is a perfect example of how co-operative efforts can make a difference.
- Installing community policing stations in areas of risk. In Windsor, Limbrick, Academy, and other neighbourhoods Thunder Bay Housing has an empty suite that would serve perfectly as a base for this, there would be little extra cost involved and a police presence would make a major difference in building community relationships.
- Increased visibility of police in the downtown cores. In downtown Fort William a solution might be easily found in moving the Victoriaville Centre Community Police Station to face Victoria Avenue on Brodie Street. Putting the police in a more visible location in the downtown core will make a big difference.
The truth is here in Thunder Bay, there is no reason everyone can not work together and make our community safer.
All it takes is the strong desire to do that. I think everyone is ready, what do you think?
James Murray
