London police Chief Brad Duncan says officers will stop asking for personal information from students and all information that has been gathered so far is being purged from their records.
The decision comes amid criticism from London residents and students, who were asked for information without reason during Project LEARN.
He explained the original idea of information gathering was “an engagement strategy. The intent of this strategy was to obtain reliable resident information in a controlled setting to assist us in quickly identifying residents who would be able to authorize the police to remove unwanted guests.”
Despite the decision to delete the data collected, Duncan says information gathered as part of an investigation must be kept.
On Monday, Duncan had announced an internal review of the police initiative citing “concerns raised over the approach to students occupying homes in specific neighbourhoods.”
But on Thursday he stopped short of apologizing for police actions, saying his responsibility is to deliver services that meet the community’s needs.
“As chief I am accountable to the London Police Service and to our community.”
He said an increase in calls and complaints from residents is the reason for an increased police presence on Broughdale Avenue, west of Richmond, an enclave for Western University students.
And while he says he understands why people have problems with a zero-tolerance approach, he added that effective planning must include a consideration of historical events.
Duncan says he plans to strengthen education and work with universities and colleges to help keep everyone safe.
However, he will not ignore conduct that impacts those who live near student housing.
Positive reaction from student groups
The chief has met with several groups representing area post-secondary students in recent days and following the press conference most felt this was a move in the right direction.
Amir Eftekarpour of Western's student council says "Stopping of canvassing is an immediate postiive step and if the practices of warnings instead of zero tolerance are going to be implemented going forward then that is a huge step."
There was also acknowledgement that it is not solely the responsibility of police to maintain order.
Sean Quigley of the group Emerging Leaders adds "This is not just a police issue, that we as a community have to step up and work on this, not just today, but for the long term."
Duncan says "There's no other way folks to go, at the end of the day. We've reached a point in our history in terms of dealing with students that we have to refocus, reengage and go a different path."
