Toronto Police Parking Enforcement

[robbiedigital]

Hello,

I have a bit of a situation with these fine fellows, but without going into details, I have someone from their office calling me on a daily basis asking for information. I do not answer or return his calls.

Now, I firmly believe that I'm not actually responsible for anything, but that's besides the point, and irrelevant to this convo (though I'd prefer for you to think I'm actually a good person :cheesygri)

In any case, my question is, do you know what is the extent of these peoples' powers? Obviously they work for the TPS, but do they have access to records and information the same as an actual police officer? Assuming I actually speak to this guy, am I LEGALLY obligated to give him information? I mean, even if you are approached by real cop, you're legally entitled to say nothing if you don't want to...well, at least until you're arrested and you have a lawyer, but my point is, I highly doubt that I HAVE to provide this guy with any info. Does anyone actually know or have any experience with these folks?

Thanks!

[Shaner]

What info does this guy want from you? Why is he calling you daily? What has he accused you of doing? Were you charged or ticketed for something already?

It's very rare for you to ever have to provide any info to anyone, so in this case, although I am basing this on zero details, you don't have to give this guy any information. Once again though, you're not giving us any details so I can't be certain.

As for whether they can access your "records" or not, which records are you talking about? Parking enforcement can't run a CPIC on you unless they are actual cops. Is this person a cop?

If you haven't done anything wrong, tell this person to either leave you alone or you will be filing a complaint or give you a ticket so you can fight it in court (assuming you haven't received one already).

[ticketcombat]

If it is the parking enforcement unit (http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/) of the Toronto Police, then yes they are police officers and yes they can find out everything about you. But it's parking enforcement, not homicide. Whatever the situation, it can't be THAT bad.

No you don't have to talk to them if you don't want to. But the fact he's calling you every day (instead of less frequently) is a little strange. It says something. You don't want to go from bad to worse on this one.

On the other hand, you may have heard him wrong. A collection agency for unpaid parking tickets will call you every day and they are not police. A towing service could also do the same.

[Canuck32]

You don't have to talk to a peace officer. Period. If they want information from you then they can subpoena you. That said, whether it may be in your interest to speak to a peace officer is a different story.

I practice criminal law. If you would like some assistance feel free to post more details or send me a PM.

[Shaner]

You don't have to talk to a peace officer. Period. If they want information from you then they can subpoena you. That said, whether it may be in your interest to speak to a peace officer is a different story.

I practice criminal law. If you would like some assistance feel free to post more details or send me a PM.

That's not true. In certain circumstances you are required to identify yourself when requested to do so by a cop. Sure, I guess you could technically identify yourself without actually speaking, but you get my point.

[Canuck32]

That's not true. In certain circumstances you are required to identify yourself when requested to do so by a cop. Sure, I guess you could technically identify yourself without actually speaking, but you get my point.

Yes, they can check for valid licence and sobriety of a driver.

If someone is arrested then I would recommend identifying themselves so as to have a better chance of being released without a show-cause hearing. The same would go for getting a POA ticket - if they can't identify you then they can detain you.

[robbieD]

You don't have to talk to a peace officer. Period. If they want information from you then they can subpoena you. That said, whether it may be in your interest to speak to a peace officer is a different story.

I practice criminal law. If you would like some assistance feel free to post more details or send me a PM.

Exactly my question, thanks. Thing is, I don't think the parking officers are even peace officers! But I'm not sure about the guy calling me...maybe he is. In any case, I'm not telling him anything until I have to (i.e. receive a subpoena in the mail or in person).

Assuming he is a peace officer, does that grant him access to the same records/information that the police have as well?

If anything, this is a civil matter...not criminal...there is nothing criminal happening here, I don't believe.