Guarding Doors

Guarding Doors is a collection of true security events. It outlines what it was like working in the dangerous world of public housing for Community Guardian Company Limited and the Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority.

"I need Metro Police at the rear of 285 Shuter Street - a man with a gun." Shortly after that the suspect started walking in my direction...

There were several Community Guardians and police trying to keep order. I saw a white male take a two-handed swing with a baseball bat and hit a black youth right across the side of the head. It was the most sickening sound, and I believed in that second that I had just witnessed a homicide.

I called in a "Man with a gun at 30 Falstaff," requesting Toronto Police. The call didn't go through, so I called again. Still no response. I called again "to any reading unit," and the West car picked it up and relayed the call to dispatch... It didn't help that this was happening at shift change. Back up would be delayed... The suspect walked to the bus stop and stood there, gun in hand. I just couldn't let him get on the bus...