"Writing is not like painting where you add. It is not what you put on the canvas that the reader sees. Writing is more like a sculpture where you remove; you eliminate in order to make the work visible. Even those pages you remove somehow remain."
Elie Wiesel, 1928-, Rumanian-born American Writer
"Technical writer" can sometimes be a very loosely used term. This is especially true if you're working for a small or medium sized business.
As tech writers, we're often under the impression that we'll only be creating manuals, processes, and product specifications. But if you're working for a small or medium sized business, you could be asked to do a lot more than that.
Let's look at nine of the most common documents you could be asked to create as a technical writer:
1. Technical Manuals
Technical manuals are documents that present the prescribed method of performing a task related to a specific tool or process either mechanical or electronic. These documents are also called reference manuals/guides and installation or repair manuals/guides.
2. User Manuals
User manuals are documents that provide instructions for the use of a product. The principal difference between a technical and user manual is the assumption that the user is not familiar with the operation of the product. The information is presented based on this assumption so it may be on a more elementary level than a technical manual. These documents are also called user guides.
3. Tutorials
A tutorial is a document that is related to a tutor or tutors. For example - course material on how to perform tasks.
4. Product Descriptions and Specifications
Product descriptions and specifications are documents that describe the product on a detailed level. These documents could be a part of manuals and brochures.
5. Executive Summaries
These are one page documents found in the beginning of reports and business documents. It summarizes the document and gives the reader a high level overview of what the rest of the document covers.
6. RFPs and RFQs
Request for Proposal (RFP) and Request for Quotation (RFQ) are business documents that are submitted to companies asking them to bid for business.
7. Brochures
Brochures are marketing documents which have one purpose - move the reader closer to a sale. For example - a brochure about a pest control service.
8. Press Releases
Press releases give information about a product. Press releases are marketing pieces masked in the form of news. There is a perception that news and press releases are more credible than marketing documents. So companies use them to market their products.
9. Letters and Memos
As a tech writer you are most likely to write letters and memos for mailings to a large number of people either within or outside the organization. Note: memos are always meant for internal business communication.
When you're working as a full time tech writer, you may not create all these documents. But you should be aware of them. If you're planning on becoming a freelance technical writer, knowledge of creating these documents can increase your client base.
If you can write a simple sentence in English and organize your thoughts then technical writing may be a rewarding field. You can easily make it a second income stream in your spare time.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average salary for technical writers is $60,380. Freelance technical writers can make from $30 to $70 per hour.
The field of technical writing is like a golden city. It's filled with wealth, rewards and opportunities. After learning technical writing you can branch out into business writing, marketing writing and communications writing. All of these can become additional income streams.
But to succeed you must learn how to market yourself to clients. You have to prove to them that you are an invaluable asset. That's where ProTech - Your Fast Track to Becoming a Successful Technical Writer can help. It's a technical writing course that does two equally important things:
1. It teaches you the skills to become a technical writer in the shortest time frame. You'll learn to create manuals, procedures, tutorials, processes, proposals, spec sheets and other documents that businesses need.
2. It shows you how to market yourself to clients so you can start your income stream as soon as possible.
In fact, you'll get a complete marketing toolkit which has templates and technical writing job sites to get started immediately!
You can download two sample lessons by clicking the link below.
This could be your chance to create a prosperous future.
Click the link below to download your two sample lessons.
technical writer houston"technical writer houston" Is this an appropriate salary for this position?
I have a bachelors with a double major in public relations and journalism and a minor in Spanish. I am currently employed as a Technical Writer for National Oilwell and as a part time media relations associate with the Houston Rockets. My combined total of PR experience since I graduate in May is about 2 to 3 years. I recently applied for an account executive position at a PR Firm. I did a phone interview which I think went pretty well, however when she asked me about salary requirements I told her it was negotiable but then back door and asked her what she felt was a typical amount for someone with my experience in the field to make. She said that she couldn't remember but she thought the position may be paying somewhere in the mid 20's range a year. I think that is ridiculoulsly low. Is that normal for the field and working for a PR firm. To take that job I would take a significant pay cut.
Also: What would be an appropriate salary to ask for?
you just said that its an account executive position. Which to me sounds like sales. $20k might be reasonable if there's a huge commission structure.
I work in software. Our Account Execs start at 80k plus low commissions, but a good rep can still pull in 300k plus.
writing for the technical professions"writing for the technical professions" I'm going into nursing and don't personally know any nurses to ask these questions too so please help.?
This is for a technical writing class. I have to interview a nurse and ask these 3 questions. Will appreciate a nice response from a nurse.
How important are communication skills to your profession?
How important are ethical considerations in communicating to various people in your profession?
What kinds of writing will you typically do in your profession and how much of the writing and what percentage does this entail?
Communication is key to being a nurse. Among your responsibilities you will find that you need to communicate with doctors to explain what's going on with their patients. You need to communicate with your patients, explaining what their medicaitons are for, what treatments you're performing, what their recovery process would be like, how to cope with a new diagnosis, etc. You need to communicate with other nurses when you're changing shifts so they can pick up where you left off.
Ethics are incredibly important in nursing. You need to know what guidelines you function under. You need to be able to explain why you can or can't do a particular procedure. For instance, as an oncology nurse I have had to explain to patients that we need to stop chemotherapy, despite their desire to continue, because they were too sick to tolerate the treatments.
Writing is also important. You do A LOT of charting (way more than 2% of your time). Seriously more like 35-50%.I'm not kidding. You chart on your patient's condition. You chart on what procedures/testing/treatments you've done. You fill out insurance papers. You chart your medication administration. You chart your assessments. You fill out disability claims. You will write appeal letters to insurance companies, and if you don't make yourself sound intelligent, they will deny your appeal. You will write constantly!
How To: Trick Someone with a "Kick Me" Sign
writing for the technical professions writing for the technical professions
certificate in technical writing"certificate in technical writing" What do you do w/a "Professional Writing" Certificate?
i'm only a few credits/classes away from fulfilling the requirements for a "Professional Writing" cert.
my uni. also offers a "Technical Writing" cert. but i'm not applicable for that...just note that it's not the same thing
what's a Prof. Writing Cert. good for? would it be good in this economy? maybe in the future?
thanks
:)
it would be in addition to my English + Education major/cert. program
would I get anywhere diff. if I add a "Professional Writing" Cert. w/this? or do you think it would be a waste of time/money?
: : . . . ..
Professional writers are probably good at written communication (duh) and will be extremely successful at preparing resumes for job-seekers. It goes without saying that the current economic climate puts you in a good place and since the services are tax deductible you will be in luck assuming you can find people willing to pay for your services.
I do not think the certificate will help you if you are paying more for the certificate. If, in the normal courseload, you can obtain it, go for it but you will likely see little money for having the certificate.
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certificate in technical writing certificate in technical writing
technical writers_2"technical writers" I would like to move to Israel. What are the job prospects there for technical writers?
Is this field expected to grow? What is the median/average salary for technical writers in Israel? Can they expect to be fully employed or do most work on a consultative basis? Is one required to have excellent command of both English and Hebrew? Thanks so much to all who answer! (Please no hate and/or criticism)
You may find some useful info here: http://www.techshoret.com/
"Techshoret is an email discussion list dedicated to serving the needs of technical writers in Israel. It has existed for over a decade. It includes over 1850 members and is currently a Yahoo Group."
You should also contact this organization for help regarding aliyah: http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php
Best of luck to you!:)
Lindsay Brown Receives STC 2009 Technical Writers Award
become a technical writer"become a technical writer"
How Style Guides Help the Technical Writers?
Technical writing is more about following the standards and maintaining consistency in writing. Anyone can write but the challenge is to write precise, simple and accurate. There are several style guides which help in this regard. A technical writer collects information by analyzing existing material and questioning the subject matter experts (SMEs).
The technical writer also examines the audience to understand their needs and comprehensibility level. Well- structured technical helps and documents are made by following common publishing guidelines. Technical documentation can be done in many styles and formats, and the format largely depends on the various medium being used.
On the other hand the Printed documentation may have some different style and standards as opposed to the online documentation. There are various styles and standards set by the organizations themselves which they create based on their work culture, clients and branding strategies etc however there are few globally used style guides also available which the technical writers across the countries use. A lot of technical writers follow the formatting conventions which are being featured in the world famous style guides.
In the United States a majority of technical writers follow the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). Many companies have their own corporate style guides; The Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications is also a very well accepted guide for technical writers.
In the end I would conclude by saying that a style guide becomes inevitable when it comes to technical writing. So use a proper style sheet for a better documentation.
Microsoft Dynamics GP Corporate ERP formerly was known as Great Plains Dynamics, eEnteprise. And Great Plains was designed on the architectural platform, known as Great Plains Dexterity. ReportWriter is and was scaled down version of Dexterity, where you have access to all out-of-the-box Dynamics reports (in Dynamics.dic): SOP Blank and Long Invoice forms, RM and PM Historical Trial Balances, GL Trial Balance are probably one of the most known and popular. Typically in RW you modify existing report by printing it on the screen and then in menu selecting - modify this report. Report Writer saves report in its own reporting dictionary (Reports.dic) and you do whatever you need to modify the report (or more precisely what RW Dexterity origin allows you to do). We will review most popular modifications and what you can do on advanced level:
1. Placing Graphical Logon on SOP Invoice form. Typically for printing to PDF printer or direct printout on Color Laser Jet. General recommendation is to prepare logo file in JPEG, BMP in higher resolution and then, when placed Picture on the Report (Report Header and Page Header) - just resize it to something like 40 percent of the original size
2. Moving, Hiding fields or creating and placing new Calculated fields on the report layout. As such report as SOP Blank Invoice form has complex business logic, we do not recommend heavy modification. Just move fields horizontally, hide them, resize, or change fonts. Be sure that you understand the concept of report body, additional headers and footers
3. Advanced options. You can also add tables to the report (typically restricted by Dexterity - each table in Dex belongs to table cluster and based on the availability of Dexterity table indexes, you can add one or more tables from the cluster). Also based on Dexterity tables indexes - you can create new table relation with another table (if Dex indexes permit)
4. New reports. Assuming that Smartlist doesn't do everything that you need in Dynamics GP data exporting to Excel or CSV file, you can try to do it in Report Writer by creating new report, selecting main table and then if required add new tables. For example you can create new report for exporting Customers and their addresses (main table is Customer Master, and linked one would be Customer Address Master), then go to Layout and add fields from both tables. If you do it this way - you probably want to filter customers and/or their addresses by certain criteria - do it Report Restrictions
5. Some limitations and breaking through. There were known concerns and compliance from the customers of Great Plains about Report Writer printouts problems in working with Clipboard and even if you save RW print out to the file - it is difficult to open and reformat it in Excel. In Dynamics GP 10 SP4 and GP 2010 (formerly known as version 11) - you can export to XML, which is very helpful in following report data massage
6. Upgrading Report Writer reports to new Great Plains version. There is standard way to upgrade (outside of the scope of this publication), however some reports are known to be not possible to upgrade (on Dynamics GP Partner Source). In fact, if you invested in the past into RW modifications, you can still upgrade virtually all the reports - the upgrade problem typically resides in redesigned or newly created calculated fields (all you need to do is to port old calculated fields with their original names to the new version of the report)
7. Report Writer and Barcoding. Yes, you can associate RW report fields with Barcode compliant font and it will be printed (be sure that report is in Graphical mode). Also, popular routine is to print USPS barcode mailing labels directly on your envelopes. Due to Barcode fonts support in version 7.5 and more recent, Dynamics GP Report Writer could be incorporated into Warehouse Management System (WMS), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Logistics, Consignment, Distributions extensions to Dynamics GP - all these systems or Dynamics GP ISV Partner supported modules are typically Barcode scanning and Barcoding Label Printing based
8. RW troubleshooting. One of the most popular topics and error messages discussed is when Dynamics.Dic dictionary becomes corrupt (due to the attempts to modify reports by Dynamics GP consultant, while users are printing these reports at the same time). In these scenarios you see really weird errors (Microsoft Windows encountered unknown problem and has to close - or even more strange). Simple cure is to have all users logoff Dynamics GP, rename your active Reports.dic and reimport reports in RW from renamed Reports.dic. By doing so - you will recreate new and healthy dictionary
9. Report Writer internationalization. Officially Microsoft Business Solutions supports GP in English, Spanish (South and Central America, Mexico, Caribbean), French (Canadian), to some extent Arabic. However there are add-ons on the Dynamics GP ISV market, supporting RW reports printing in Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French (European), Dutch, Swedish (more languages are coming). We know successful RW customizations in Polish, Lithuanian and Russian
10. Beyond Report Writer. In our opinion excellent options are Crystal Reports, Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). If your goal is pure financial reporting, including consolidated, consider FRx Reporting. FRx should be able to combine Dynamics GP originated GL balances with non Microsoft ERP platforms exported to Excel: SAP Business One (Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Russia), 1S Bukhgalteria (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus)
11. Report Writer and Customer Dexterity Add-ons. It is required that Dexterity customization has RW exposed dictionary, where you modify Alternate Reports (if Dex customization imports reports from Dynamics.dic and has sum modification there on its behalf and then opens it for you for further modification)
12. How to get help? Please, call us 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918 or email us help@albaspectrum.com Our consultants speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Russian to address your Dynamics GP, Barcoding, WMS, SCM, SAP Business One needs in USA and Internationally
About the Author
Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, serving GP customers USA and Canada Nationwide: California, Minnesota, New York, Quebec, Ontario, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Virginia, Florida, new Mexico, Iowa, Indiana, Alaska, Hawaii. Local service is available in Houston/Dallas: Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, Galveston, Sugar Land; in Chicago: Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Romeoville, Batavia, Downers Grove, Schaumburg, Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Joliet, Hinsdale, Lisle, Montgomery, Oswego
Microsoft Dynamics GP for Mid-Size Distributor: Implementation, Extensions
Great Plains Dynamics got its new name several years ago – now it is Microsoft Dynamics GP. Being matured and very flexible mid-market Corporate ERP application, Dynamics GP should be a good fit for challenging requirements in nationwide and international distribution: Warehouse Management System, Electronic Document Interchange, B2B ecommerce, Consignment. Various industry specific add-ons are available through Dynamics GP ISV channel. In this small paper we would like to give you typical implementation scenario and extensions, often required in distribution industry. Successful businesses typically have their know-how or trade secrets, often requiring pretty unique ERP related data entry, querying and reporting. If you recognize your scenario – Dynamics GP has various tools to modify existing or even introduce new business logic : Microsoft Dexterity, Extender, eConnect, Modifier with VBA, Integration Manager, plus it is open to Microsoft Management Reporter, FRx, SSRS, Report Writer, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access reports, etc. Let's move on to the paragraphs:
1. WMS (Warehouse Management System) – this is often the heart of your ERP system in distribution company. WMS in its turn depends on Barcoding technology. In GP you already have all or most of the required functionality in Distribution set of modules: Sales Order Processing, Inventory Control, Purchase Order Processing, however WMS is still needed to be chosen and implemented to open SOP, POP and Inventory transactions for barcode scanning. There is often dilemma in WMS software selection – popular Warehouse Management applications typically duplicate the same or similar distribution logic and then they have connectors or integration modules, to send WMS documents down to the Distribution modules of your preferred ERP. If you think about the module, you as end customer, have to pay twice for the same logic in ERP and then in WMS, plus you have to budget special integration between the two (to synchronize parallel logics). We suggest you slightly different approach, our WMS application opens Dynamics GP forms and tables to barcoding – SOP Transaction for WMS fulfillment, POP Purchase Receipt for Inventory Restocking, and Inventory Adjustment and Transfer for moving merchandize and entering adjustments and inventory cycle counts on the warehouse floor
2. EDI. There are very powerful Electronic Document Interchange products, supporting all the EDI methods and protocols. Chances might be high that your EDI needs are pretty basic and you have only one required EDI format to implement and establish EDI documents interchange via FTP. If this is your situation, we recommend you to purchase very modest EDI extension for Dynamics GP. If you are making innovations and establishing your own EDI standard for your suppliers or customers (nice XML something for example), your Dynamics GP programmers should be able to follow that new standard and generate the file via precisely formatted SQL Select statement
3. B2B ecommerce in distributions. Sometimes we see the trend, when Logistics and Distributions companies are trying to deemphasize EDI channels (which they consider as kind of legacy) and favor new technologies, such as Business-to-Business Electronic Commerce for new business partners. In Dynamics GP you can establish pretty flexible Item pricing and catalogs for customer classes or even for individual customers. The nice thing about our approach to ecommerce, is the fact, that you can get the order via ecommerce website and immediately send it for picking and packing on the warehouse floor (or even assembly on order) by warehouse worker with barcode scanner with WMS client application
4. Industry Regulation Compliance. This could be important for distributor in Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Jewelry, Food processing and delivery on consignment, manufacturing large construction custom objects on order (construction: big bolts, armatures, parts of the bridges, skyscrapers). In Great Plains you have the option to track your Items and finished goods (as well as parts of your finished good in bill of materials) by Serial and Lot number. You can also have attachments and comment lines to virtually every master record and transaction, meaning that industry compliance is typically realized on the procedural level and no custom programming is required. In some cases we recommend to create industry compliance report via one of the popular reporting tools – it is your choice, as you may have preference to use Cristal Reports over Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services – we will help you with data pulling SQL View or Stored Procedure
5. If you are on older version of Dynamics GP, Great Plains Dynamics/eEnterprise. As general advise – we recommend you to update the version to current (as of September 2010) version 2010/11.0, or at least 10.0, which will be supported for at least several years from now directly by Microsoft Business Solutions. Such complex processes as Supply Chain Management, WMS, Distributions, Consignments often require Dynamics GP technical consultant help. If you are on the version, which was released, say 5 years ago, please think about the possible facts, that database platform (such as MS SQL Server 2000, or Btrieve/Pervasive SQL, Ctree) is no longer supported by Dynamics GP generic partners and it is more difficult to find consultant who is comfortable to deal with your urgent technical issue, or required data repair. If your business undertook downsizing in the past, and you have to stay on your version of Dynamics GP, Great Plains or even Great Plains Accounting for DOS, Windows or Mac – you can count on us, we are known to support all ever released versions of Great Plains
6. Dynamics GP customizations. Not every Dynamics GP Technology Partner or reseller carries Great Plains Dexterity developers in staff. If you are facing the need of large, mid-size and even small scale GP coding project, we recommend you to check with your Dynamics GP VAR is they are comfortable with Dynamics GP Dexterity programming. They might be OK with newer technologies, such as eConnect, Microsoft Visual Studio SDK for GP – but all these new tools still rely on Dexterity objects (especially Dexterity created new tables). We are carrying Great Plains Dexterity Software development Factory, where or Dexterity coders have access to Dynamics.dic Sanscript source code, meaning that these technicians are capable to track down every piece of Great Plains business logic and how it is programmed in Dexterity procedures and functions
7. Distribution to the international customers. This is fine with Dynamics GP capabilities, you can setup multicurrency and international companies to enter transactions, plus there is intercompany processing module, where you can post your transactions (in Payable Management and General Ledger) to the targeted company from your Headquarters. Please, note, however, that we do recommend you to review the options, prior to deciding to implement Dynamics GP for your international subsidiary. There is such theoretical concept as Corporate ERP localization – it is based on such compliances are local language support and foreign country legislation compliance. Dynamics GP is localized in USA, Canada (including French speaking Quebec province), UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spanish speaking Latin America (excluding Brazil, where they speak on Brazilian dialect of Portuguese). Dynamics GP is also available in Arabic speaking countries, plus in South East Asia, where English is dominant in business negotiations. Dynamics GP is not localized in such countries as China, Russia, Germany, Brazil, Korea. Please, give us a call to discuss the options, if you are USA or Canada based multinational corporation
8. How to request additional help? Please call us 1-866-528-0577, or email us help@albaspectrum.com We serve you USA, Canada nationwide with initial visits onsite when required and following remote support via web sessions and phone conferences. Local support is available in Western Michigan, Chicagoland area of the state of Illinois, Southern California, Houston and Dallas Area of Texas
About the Author
Andrew Karasev, Alba Spectrum Group, http://www.albaspectrum.com help@albaspectrum.com 1-866-528-0577, 1-630-961-5918, serving GP customers USA and Canada Nationwide: California, Minnesota, New York, Quebec, Ontario, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Virginia, Florida, new Mexico, Iowa, Indiana, Alaska, Hawaii. Local service is available in Houston/Dallas: Richmond, Rosenberg, Katy, Galveston, Sugar Land; in Chicago: Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Romeoville, Batavia, Downers Grove, Schaumburg, Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Joliet, Hinsdale, Lisle, Montgomery, Oswego
A student joins a coaching institute for a little extra study for little extra marks. These days, the trend of coaching institutes has grown immensely among students with the growing competition. Previously, during school times, the students studied on their own from the text books and scored average to good marks. But the trend has changed and now both the parents and students want to the report cards to reveal the best score.
The shift in the trend has emerged from peer pressure as well as the pressure put in by the parents and teachers. Somehow, these days, students just don’t feel satisfied with whatever they have studied in the school. In the evening they have to go to a nearby coaching institute to for some extra studies. In fact, coaching institutes are also a place where they feel they can hang out with their friends in the evening. These institutes have become a reason for them to move out and socialize a bit.
Joining a coaching class has now become the in-thing. Students believe that this way they don’t have to worry and will not have to study on their own. A coaching institute is also a kind of networking that students indulge into for exchanging notes, books, and other such things.
At times, even when students take these extra efforts of going to a coaching institute and studying there, they are still not able to score promising marks. So, the question arises, how helpful these institutes are and can a student manage to score well without taking any sort of coaching?
The purpose of a coaching centre is to use special teaching methods and attempts to prepare a student specifically for the exam he / she is planning to write. Such an institute provides good study material such as assignments, mock test papers, which students usually do not get in a school or colleges in India. These factors help a student write in a better manner for a competitive examination.
Another advantage of a coaching institute is that it pays special attention to every student, which is quite unlikely in a college or school. It prepares a student meticulously to write the exam by regularly conducting mock tests. Other than that, in a coaching institute, students are provided with useful assignments which help them in preparing for tests. It also encourages students to elucidate their doubts and discuss with other students, as students are more open to interactions in a coaching institute. Another problem that a coaching institute tackles is that of personal guidance. Usually, in schools and colleges, students don’t get personal attention. Coaching institutes make sure that queries of each and every student are answered. Coaching institutes also guide students on how to study, what to study, etc.
One of the most significant advantages of taking up coaching is that one gets to know the pattern of the kind of questions, what was asked in previous exams, which chapter or question should be given more importance etc. These centers cover detailed syllabus, which is usually not covered in regular colleges. This saves students from running around to collect old questions papers or from referring to different kinds of books. Besides that, by joining coaching institutes, students follow a certain study routine and time table.
Of course, scoring well should not be the sole purpose of the students to join a coaching institute. This decision should mainly depend on the caliber of a particular student.
There was time when there were no coaching centers. At that time several students were able to clear their examinations. One should keep in mind that more than the coaching, self-study and focus is much more important.
A lot of people feel that coaching centers are nothing but just means to earn cash as such institutes charge a hefty-fee from students and students are ready to pay it. Students hope that they will benefit from the coaching and if they benefit it is worth the cost. It is, in fact, debatable issue whether a student should study in a coaching institute or he / she should study on own.
If a student is strong-minded and focused, he / she might be able to swiftly clear all kinds of exams without any help. Such a student might not even feel the need to join any kind of a coaching institute ever.
About the Author
Sukhpreet Kaur Sawhney writes on behalf of NaukriGulf.com. NaukriGulf.com is an leading portal for jobs in Gulf Region, Jobs in Dubai, IT jobs in Dubai. Naukri.com's foray into the Middle East is an Endeavour to provide established client base with services that best meet their international requirements as well as expand our operations on to a global arena.
Functions and Required Skills for Technical Writers
Several major responsibilities go with being a technical writer. In addition, various skills are needed to be successful as a technical writer. These skills can be developed and enhanced over time.
Technical writers gather facts from specific subject areas (e.g., computer science, engineering, manufacturing, and other sciences) and use their writing expertise to market written merchandise for communication at several degrees of difficulty or for unique audiences. For instance, a technical writer might collect data on the best way to put together a complicated piece of equipment and then write the facts so that a person with limited technical or mechanical knowledge can assemble or fix the item. Many people have purchased an item that comes with a huge packet of directions with the wording "some assembly required." If you have, then you may know the difference between an excellent technical writer and a poor technical author.
A proficient technical writer can take an extremely specialized report about an important issue such as pollution control and toxicity ranges to produce an easily understood guide for publication that could be read by people who did not have complex scientific knowledge about these issues but who were concerned.
Successful technical writers are required to offer excellent writing, editing, and subject matter area expertise to ensure that he or she can communicate clearly about the topic using common vocabulary instead of specialized jargon that only people in a certain field would understand. To do this, technical writers must know how to break down complex, and sometimes overwhelming, material into simplified but accurate writing.
Excellent technical writers are those who can adjust their writing to meet the distinct requirements of various audiences. For example, educational writing in specialized subject areas calls for a sophisticated understanding of the subject area. This is because the audience who is likely to read the writing might be experts in the specific field or area. To gain and increase this expertise, technical writers can examine other peer-reviewed educational journals to gather the knowledge, or take subject area specific courses, collaborate with experts in the field, or teach themselves. Peer reviewed journals, for example, provide superb information in diverse fields and utilize different manual styles, which are also important for technical writers to understand.
Arguably, the most difficult task for the technical writer is taking this information and publishing it in a format, such as a manual, article, Web page or blog, which individuals devoid of this high level of knowledge can understand.
When you have produced technical writing, use a professional editor with knowledge in the specialized field to review and then offer their view on how to improve your product. FirstEditing.com can provide professional editing of technical writing along with unbiased critiques and suggestions for improvement. Because we have a variety of professional editors with diverse backgrounds, you may request an editor who is proficient in the field in which you are writing. We can help you perfect your technical writing!
Full-time professional editor, published writer & marketing consultant, Heather Todd has a passion for helping others create a letter-perfect presentation in their writing. Ms. Todd provides advisory & consulting services worldwide to numerous corporations, a small sampling of such businesses include: http://www.FirstEditing.com
As a design engineer, you'll research and develop ideas for new products and production systems. You'll also improve the performance and efficiency of existing products.
As with most engineering jobs, you could work in a variety of industries from electronics to textiles, and on any project from redesigning a mobile phone to building motorcycle parts from carbon fibre.
Your exact duties are likely to include:
Research - using mathematical modelling to work out whether new developments and innovations would work and be cost effective.
Design - turning research ideas into technical plans using CAD/CAE software.
Testing - collecting and analysing data from tests on prototypes.
Modifying designs and re-testing - there are several stages before a product is ready for manufacturing.
Reporting - writing or presenting regular progress reports for project managers and clients.
Environmental assessment - taking into account the environmental impact of new products and their manufacturing processes and how they would be safely disposed of.
Hours and environment
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Much of your work will be computer-based, working in a design or drawing office. You will do some travelling to meet clients.
Skills and interests
To be a good design engineer you need:
Strong problem-solving skills
A creative approach for generating new ideas
A sound knowledge of CAD software
An excellent grasp of engineering and design principles
Excellent communication skills
An understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
Good teamworking skills
An appreciation of business demands
An awareness of the environmental impact of design ideas.
Entry
You will normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree. You could choose from a wide range of subjects, including engineering product design, industrial design, computer-aided design engineering, engineering design and manufacture and materials science.
Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering could also be acceptable.
For details of accredited courses for this field and links to engineering careers information, see web sites of The Institution of Engineering Designers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has information for colleges in that area.
You could also visit the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), ConstructionSkills and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction websites.
Training
Once you're working, you'll continue to train on the job. If you have a degree, you may be able to start on a graduate apprenticeship in engineering - The Institution of Engineering Designers has details.
You could also help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you'll specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you will have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
About the Author
Vishal sagar is an online marketing executive for Totaljobs.com,UK's most visited job board with more than 90,000 jobs across industry and location. Find latest jobs here and make next career move. Totaljobs.com is a part of Totaljobs Group. You can also find Leisure Jobs IT Careers on other job boards owned by them.
Durham College - Biomedical Engineering Technology Program
What would it take to get a wikiversity style course accredited and taught by your boss?
Am I crazy to think that degrees can be earned by a student studying a specialty under a expert in that field using a curriculum that is constantly updated by the technical experts in that field. Say a person who wishes to be a doctor would get a job in a hospital or as a paramedic and study medicine from the ground level up. There would be a list of tests that that person must take to show that they learned the skill. Can we do it the way that they used to do it before their where universities. The way we learn now is outdated.
I am a military accountant and I know that most of what I learned has been from asking questions to the technical experts.
Most high school students know how to write in html. They learned this without cracking one college text book.
All science books have the wrong info in regards to the solar system.
That's not a bad idea, for most occupations,but there is far too much to know in medicine for it to work. And paramedics are not the ground level of medicine! They are the highest level of prehospital emergency medicine available in the country! Paramedics are highly specialized (often more than the average M.D) at prehospital emergency medicine, but they don't know nearly enough to perform at that level in other areas of medicine. There is too much in the field of medicine to study it in the fashion that you mentioned.. That's why doctors go to school for 8-10 years! That's just my opinion, anyways!
Obtaining an education in technical support can be done by completing an accredited online training program. You can pursue the career you long for by studying topics that will help you prepare for the workforce. Online studies are available at various levels in this exciting field, allowing you to obtain the degree or certificate that fits your goals and interests. Career preparation can be obtained in a variety of specialized areas of study depending on the level of education and desired career. You can start a career working with various computer systems in order to debug and repair hard drives and more.
Technical support careers can be entered by obtaining the accredited education needed to enter into the field. Various online schools and colleges are available to offer the opportunity for you to gain the skills you need to pursue a successful career. Training is available at the certificate level, as well as the associate through master degree level. Training can require the completion of six months to six years of study. Coursework will vary but may include:
Hardware
Databases
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Obtaining an education in network support will help you to gain the skills needed for a successful career in this industry. Training can be completed at the associate or bachelor degree levels, which typically take anywhere from two to four years to complete. The level of training will help to decide what careers can be entered and what areas of study will be included in training. Coursework may consist of learning:
Database Management
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Specific areas of study for both technical and network support will vary, but many programs allow you to gain an education in subjects that relate to both areas. Coursework can allow you to learn computer programming, business, report writing, and much more. Once you enroll in a program you can also expect to study information technology, computer sciences, installation, and other relative topics. Start by researching the options available to you and finding a program.
Accredited online technical support training programs can help you to receive the skills and knowledge you need to enter into a successful career. Online schools and colleges that carry full accreditation are approved to offer you the nest quality education available. There are numerous agencies such as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) that are approved to fully accredit online schools and colleges. You can prepare for an education and career by researching programs and enrolling in the one that's right for your individual needs and goals.
DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.
Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.
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The Toronto Police Service, was founded in 1834 when the city of Toronto was first created from the town of York. (Prior to that, local able-bodied male citizens were required to report for night duty as special constables for a fixed number of nights a year on the pain of fine or imprisonment in a system known as "watch and ward".)
The Toronto Police is one of the English-speaking world oldest modern municipal police departments; older than, for example, the legendary New York City Police Department which was formed in 1845 or the Boston Police Department which was established in 1839. The London Metropolitan Police of 1829 is generally recognized as the first modern municipal department. In 1835, Toronto retained five fulltime constables ratio of about one officer for every 1,850 citizens. Their daily pay was set at 5 shillings for day duty and 7 shillings, 6 pence, for night duty. In 1837 the constables annual pay was fixed at 75 per annum, a lucrative city position when compared to the mayor annual pay of 250 at the time.
Toronto constables circa 1880
From 1834 to 1859, the Toronto Police was a corrupt and notoriously political force with its constables loyal to the local aldermen who personally appointed police officers in their own wards for the duration of their incumbency. Toronto constables on numerous occasions suppressed opposition candidate meetings and took sides during bitter sectarian violence between Orange Order and Irish Catholic radical factions in the city. A provincial government report in 1841 described the Toronto Police as "formidable engines of oppression". Although constables were issued uniforms in 1837, one contemporary recalled that the Toronto Police was "without uniformity, except in one respecthey were uniformly slovenly." After an excessive outbreak of street violence involving Toronto Police misconduct, including an episode where constables brawled with Toronto's firemen in one incident, and stood by doing nothing in another incident while enraged firemen burned down a visiting circus when its clowns jumped a lineup at a local brothel, the entire Toronto Police force, along with its chief, were fired in 1859.
1859 to 1900
The new force was removed from Toronto City Council jurisdiction (except for the setting of the annual budget and manpower levels) and placed under the control of a provincially mandated Board of Police Commissioners. Under its new Chief, William Stratton Prince, a former infantry captain, standardized training, hiring practices and new strict rules of discipline and professional conduct were introduced. Today's Toronto Police Service directly traces its ethos, constitutional lineage and Police Commission regulatory structure to the 1859 reforms.
In the 19th century, the Toronto Police mostly focused on the suppression of rebellion in the cityarticularly during the Fenian threats of 1860 to 1870. The Toronto Police were probably Canada's first security intelligence agency when they established a network of spies and informants throughout Canada West in 1864 to combat US Army recruiting agents attempting to induce British Army soldiers stationed in Canada to desert to serve in the Union Army in the Civil War. The Toronto Police operatives later turned to spying on the activities of the Fenians and filed reports to the Chief from as far as Buffalo, Detroit, Chicago and New York City. When in December 1864, the Canada West secret frontier police was established under Stipendiary Magistrate Gilbert McMicken, some of the Toronto Police agents were reassigned to this new agency.
In 1863, the Toronto Police were also used as "Indian fighters" during the Manitoulin Island Incident when some fifty natives armed with knives forced the fishery inspector William Gibbard and a fishery operation to withdraw from unceded tribal lands on Lake Huron. Thirteen armed Toronto police officers, along with constables from Barrie, were dispatched to Manitoulin Island to assist the government in retaking the fishery operation, but were forced back when the natives advanced now armed with rifles. The police withdrew but were later reinforced and eventually arrested the entire band but not before William Gibbard was killed by unknown parties. (Sidney L. Harring White Man's Law: Native People in Nineteenth-Century Canadian Jurisprudence Toronto: Osgood Society-University of Toronto Press, 1998. pp. 152-153)
In the 1870s, as the Fenian threat began to gradually wane and the Victorian moral reform movement gained momentum, Toronto police primarily functioned in the role of "urban missionaries" whose function it was to regulate unruly and immoral behaviour among the "lower classes". They were almost entirely focused on arresting drunks, prostitutes, disorderlies, and violators of Toronto ultra-strict Sunday "blue law".
In the days before public social services, the force functioned as a social services mega-agency. Prior the creation of the Toronto Humane Society in 1887 and the Children Aid Society in 1891, the police oversaw animal and child welfare, including the enforcement of child support payments. They operated the city's ambulance service and acted as the Board of Health. Police stations at the time were designed with space for the housing of homeless, as no other public agency in Toronto dealt with this problem. Shortly before the Great Depression, in 1925, the Toronto Police housed 16,500 homeless people that year.
Plainclothes officers circa 1919
The Toronto Police regulated street-level business: cab drivers, street vendors, corner grocers, tradesmen, rag men, junk dealers, laundry operators. Under public order provisions, the Toronto Police was responsible for the licensing and regulation of dance halls, pool halls, theatres, and later movie houses. It was responsible for censoring the content of not only theatrical performances and movies, but of all literature in the city ranging from books and magazines to posters and advertising.
The Toronto Police also suppressed labour movements which were perceived as anarchist threats. The establishment of the mounted unit is directly related to the four-month Toronto streetcar strike of 1886, when authorities called on the Governor General's Horse Guard Regiment to assist in suppressing the strike.
20th century
A yellow former Metro Toronto Police car makes an appearance during a parade.
As for serious criminal investigations, the Toronto Police frequently (but not always) contracted with private investigators from the Pinkerton Detective Agency until the 20th century when it developed its own internal investigation and intelligence capacity.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the Toronto Police under Chief Dennis "Deny" Draper, a retired Brigadier General and former Conservative candidate, returned to its function as an agency to suppress political dissent. Its notorious "Red Squad" brutally dispersed demonstrations by labour unions and by unemployed and homeless people during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Suspicious of "foreigners", the police lobbied the city of Toronto to pass legislation banning public speeches in languages other than English, curtailing union organization among Toronto's vast immigrant populations working in sweat shops.
After several scandals, including a call by Chief Draper to have reporters "shot" and his being arrested driving drunk, the city appointed in 1948 a new Police Chief from its own ranks for the first time in the department's history: John Chisholm, a very able senior police inspector. In 1955, the Metropolitan Toronto Board of Police Commissioners was formed in preparation for the amalgamation of the 13 police forces in the municipality Metropolitan Toronto into a unified police force with Chisholm as chief of the unified force. Unfortunately Chisholm was not up to the politics of the Chief's office, especially in facing off with Fred "Big Daddy" Gardiner who engineered almost single-handedly the formation of Metropolitan Toronto in the 1950s. As the Toronto City Police absorbed the surrounding police departments and grew in size and complexity, Chisholm found himself unable to manage the huge agency and its Byzantine politics. In 1958, after a number of conflicts with Gardiner and members of the newly expanded Metropolitan Toronto Board of Police Commissioners, Chief Chisholm drove to High Park on the city's west end, parked his car and committed suicide with his service revolver. The late Staff Superintendent Jack Webster, one of the officers who arrived at the scene of the Chief's death and who would upon his retirement in the 1990s become the Force Historian at the Toronto Police Museum, would later write, "Suicide is a constant partner in every police car."
With the creation of Metro Toronto in 1954, the Toronto Police was eventually merged on January 1, 1957, with the other municipal forces to form the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force:
Former Police Force
Current Community
Field
Division(s)
Scarborough Police Department
Scarborough
Area
41, 42, 43
Etobicoke Police Department
Etobicoke
Area
22, 23
North York Police Department
North York
Area; parts of Central
31, 32, 33; parts of 12, 13, 53
East York Police Department
East York
Central
54
Mimico Police Department
Etobicoke (Mimico)
Area
22
Weston Police Department
York (Weston, Ontario)
Area and Central
12, 31
Forest Hill Police Department
Toronto (Forest Hill, Ontario)
Central
53
Town of Leaside Police Department
East York (Leaside, Ontario)
Central
53, 54
York Township Police Department
York
Central
13
New Toronto Police Department
Etobicoke (New Toronto, Ontario)
Area
22
Swansea Police Department
Toronto (Swansea, Ontario)
Central
11
Long Branch Police Department
Etobicoke (Long Branch, Ontario)
Area
22
In November 1995, the agency was renamed the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service which in turn, in 1998, became the Toronto Police Service after the amalgamation of the former municipalities of metropolitan Toronto.
21st century
ETF Vehicle on Queen Street during an attempted bank robbery and bomb scare
A Toronto Police marine patrol at the Canadian National Exhibition.
Today, the Toronto Police Service is responsible for overall local police service in Toronto and works with the other emergency services (Toronto EMS (TEMS) and Toronto Fire Services (TFS)) and other police forces in the GTA including:
York Regional Police
Peel Regional Police
Durham Regional Police Service
Ontario Provincial Police
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
For most of 2005, the police union and the Toronto Police Services Board (the civilian governing body) were involved in lengthy contract negotiations. The rank and file had been without a contract since the end of 2004, and conducted a work-to-rule campaign in the fall of 2005. The police force is an essential public service and are legally prohibited from striking.
Controversies and allegations of misconduct
A mandatory Coroner's Inquest took place into the police killing of 17-year-old Jeffrey Reodica. Although accounts differ, it is generally accepted that Reodica was part of a group of Filipino teenagers pursuing a group of white teenagers on May 21, 2004, following altercations between the two groups. Plainclothes Toronto police officer Det.-Const. Dan Belanger and his partner Det. Allen Love were in the process of arresting Reodica when he was shot by the officers, the teen died in hospital three days later. Belanger and his partner, Det. Allen Love, were eventually cleared by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) who accepted their story that Reodica lunged at them with a knife.
In response to the recommendations of the Coroner's Inquest jury, Chief Blair recommended that all plainclothes police officers be issued arm bands and raid jackets bearing the word 'Police' in an effort to increase their visibility in critical situations. Unmarked cars, which are already equipped with a plug-in police light, will also be supplied with additional emergency equipment, including a siren package. The proposals will be phased in over three years beginning in 2008. Undercover officers will also have to wear, carry or have access to standard police use-of-force options such as pepper spray and batons.
In 2004, eight people were shot by Toronto Police, and six of them died from their wounds. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigated each shooting, but found all of them to be justified.
In 2005, the police force was faced with a spike in shootings across Toronto and increased concern among residents. Police Chief William Blair and Mayor David Miller asked for additional resources and asked for diligence from residents to contend with this issue. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty promised to work with Toronto to fight crime.
In July 2007, Toronto Police were involved in an international incident in which their members pepper-sprayed, tasered, and handcuffed members of the Chilean national soccer team in an attempt to keep control of crowds after their semi-final match in the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup. A police spokesman explained on CBC Radio on the programme Here and Now that police took action against individual members of the Chilean team when they "displayed aggressive behaviour" by vandalizing a bus and arguing with fans. The actions of the police were criticised by the TV and print media in Chile, and initially also in Canada, but following a news conference and more detailed description of behaviour by the Chilean team the criticism (outside of Chile) was withdrawn. FIFA president Sepp Blatter later apologized to the Toronto mayor for the incident, and instigated disciplinary action against the officials and players of the Chilean team.
Funding
As a division of the municipal government of Toronto, the Toronto Police Service's annual funding level is established by a vote of the Toronto City Council in favour of the year's proposed budget. Provided below are historical gross and net funding levels of the TPS as a part of the city's operating budgets.
Toronto Police Service funding as per municipal operating budgets
Year
Gross Amount
% of Year's Gross Budget
Net Amount
% of Year's Net Budget
1999
$540,978,000
9.7%
$522,900,000
20.3%
2004
$707,573,000
10.6%
$679,112,000
23.3%
Chiefs of Police
The chief of police is the highest-ranking officer of the Toronto Police Service (until the 1960s the position was known as chief constable). Most chiefs have been chosen amongst the ranks of Toronto force and promoted from the ranks of deputy chief.
Toronto Police Department
William Higgins 1834
George Kingsmill 1835
James Stitt 1836
George Kingsmill 1837-1846
George Allen 1847-1852
Samuel Sherwood 1852-1858
William Stratton Prince 1859-1873
Frank C. Draper 1874-1886
H.J. Grasett 1886-1920
Samuel J. Dickson 1920-1928
Dennis Draper 1928-1946
John Chisholm 1946-1956
Metro Toronto Police (up to 1995), Metro Toronto Police Service (up to 1998) and Toronto Police Service (1998 onwards)
John Chisholm 1957-1958 (died 1958 from suicide)
James Page Mackey 1958-1970 (died 2009)
Harold Adamson 1970-1980 (died 2001)
Jack W. Ackroyd 1980-1984 (died 1992)
Jack Marks 1984-1989 (died 2007)
William J. McCormack 1989-1995
David Boothby 1995-2000
Julian Fantino 2000-2005
Mike Boyd 2005
Bill Blair 2005-present
The Special Investigations Unit
The actions of the Toronto Police are examined by the Special Investigations Unit, a civilian agency responsible for investigating circumstances involving police and civilians that have resulted in a death, serious injury, or allegations of sexual assault. The SIU is dedicated to maintaining one law, ensuring equal justice before the law among both the police and the public. They assure that the criminal law is applied appropriately to police conduct, as determined through independent investigations, increasing public confidence in the police services. Complaints involving police conduct that do not result in a serious injury or death must be referred to the appropriate police service or to another oversight agency, such as the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services.
Operations
Toronto Police Headquarters
Toronto Police Headquarters is on College Street near Bay Street in the downtown area. The former HQ at Jarvis Street was turned into a museum (and since re-located to current HQ). The current site was once home to the Toronto YMCA. The current sign in over the main entrance still reads "Metropolitan Toronto Police Headquarters" and still has the seal of Metropolitan Toronto, and since 2007 has the current Toronto Police Service crest.
The Toronto Police Service is divided into two field areas and 17 divisions (police stations or precincts):
Central Field Command encompasses the central portion of the city of Toronto
11 Division, 209 Mavety St.
12 Division, 200 Trethewey Dr.
13 Division, 1435 Eglinton Av. W.
14 Division, 150 Harrison St.
51 Division, 51 Parliament St.
52 Division, 255 Dundas St. W.
53 Division, 75 Eglinton Av. W.
54 Division, 41 Cranfield Rd.
55 Division, 101 Coxwell Avenue.
Toronto Police 41 Division in Scarborough.
Area Command encompasses the former cities of North York, Scarborough and Etobicoke. It also includes portions of the cities of Toronto and York, and the Borough of East York (excluding Leaside).
22 Division, 3699 Bloor St. W
23 Division, 5230 Finch Ave. West
31 Division, 40 Norfinch Dr.
32 Division, 30 Ellerslie Av.
33 Division, 50 Upjohn Rd.
41 Division, 2222 Eglinton Av. E.
42 Division, 242 Milner Av. E.
43 Division 4331 Lawrence Ave. E near Morningside Avenue
Note: Public Safety Unit is located at 4610 Finch Avenue East next to the former Charles O. Bick Police College
Support units in the Toronto Police Service consists of:
Specialized Operations Command
Detective Services, 40 College St.
Forensic Investigation Service, 2050 Jane Street. (FIS)
Homicide Squad, 40 College St.
Provincial ROPE Squad, 40 College St.
Drug Squad, 40 College St. - replaced Toronto Police Service's Central Field Command Drug Squad from the 1990s
Organized Crime Enforcement , 40 College St.
Fraud Squad, 40 College St.
Hold-Up Squad, 40 College St.
Intelligence Services, 40 College St.
Sex Crimes Unit, 40 College St.
Guns and Gangs Unit
replaced the Asian Crime Unit, Hate Crimes Unit
Toronto Anti-Violence Initiative Strategy (TAVIS)
Toronto Police Emergency Task Force officers on a call.
Operational Services
Communications Services, 40 College St.
911 Operations Centre, 703 Don Mills Rd.
Court Services, 40 College St.
Prisoner Transportation Unit, 9 Hanna Avenue.
Emergency Task Force, 300 Lesmill Rd.
Marine, 259 Queen's Quay W.
Mounted and Police Dog Services, 44 Beechwood Drive (1989) - Mounted Drill Unit
25 horses with 45 officers
21 officers with 17 general dogs, 4 drug dogs and 1 explosives detector dog
Parking Enforcement, 1500 Don Mills Road.
Public Safety and Emergency Management, 4610 Finch Avenue East
Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue.
Transit Unit, Various TTC Locations. Supplements and assists Special Constables of the TTC Special Constable Services
Community Mobilization Unit
Auxiliary, Volunteer and Rover Program
Youth Programs
Empowered Student Partnership
Toronto Recreational Outreach Outtripping Program (TROOP)
Public Education and Crime Eradication (PEACE) project
Policing on most 400-series highways (like King's Highways 401, 400, 427, 404) are in the jurisdiction of the Ontario Provincial Police. Toronto Police Traffic Services is responsible for patrolling on local highways (Allen Road, Don Valley Parkway, F.G. Gardiner Expressway and the Toronto section of Highway 409).
Workforce
The Toronto Police Service has approximately 5,710 uniformed officers and 2,500 civilian employees. Its officers are among the best paid in Canada. In October 2008, the Toronto Police Service was named one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by the Toronto Star newspaper.
Fleet
Police cars, also known as police cruisers are the standard equipment used by Toronto Police officers for transportation. The vehicles are numbered in regards to their division and car number. For example, 3322 represents that the vehicle is from 33 Division, and the following 22 symbolizes that the car works in Zone 2 for that Division and it is car number 2 for that zone. e.g. 5421 would be 54 Division, zone 2, car 1.
Other fleet numbering patterns include:
6XXX - Traffic Services/Transit Unit
TAVX - Toronto Anti-Violence Initiative Strategy (TAVIS)
ETFXX - Emergency Task Force
MUXX - Marine Unit
PSUXX - Public Safety Unit
PKEXX - Parking Enforcement
CRTXX - Court Services
BCUXX - Bail Compliance Unit
SROXX - School Resource Officer
RMSXX - Records Management Services/Courier
PDSXX - Police Dog Services
FISXX - Forensic Identification Services
MTDXX - Mounted Unit
COMDX - Command Post vehicle
CFCX - Central Field Command (mobile command post vehicles)
VSUXX - Video Services Unit
MotorcyclesProduct list and details
Product list and details
Make/Model
Type
Status
Origin
Chevrolet Camaro
Highway Unit
Retired
United States
Chevrolet Caprice
General police vehicle
Retired
United States
Chevrolet Cavalier
Parking Enforcement, Document Services Section
Mexico United States
Chevrolet Impala
General police vehicle
retired
Canada
Chevrolet Malibu (2001-2005)
Community Sweeper Unit car
United States
Chevrolet Malibu (2006)
Parking Enforcement Unit
United States
Dodge Charger
(marked) General police vehicle, Traffic Services, Community Sweeper Unit
Canada
Dodge Neon
Parking Enforcement, Document Services Section
United States
Smart fortwo
Parking Enforcement car
Germany
Ford Crown Victoria
(marked) - General police vehicle, Traffic Services, Community Sweeper Unit
Canada
Ford Crown Victoria- (black/blue stripe, grey/grey stripe)
Stealth Police Cruiser.
Canada
Ford Focus
Parking Enforcement car
United States
Ford Taurus
(Highway Patrol)
retired
United States
Plymouth Caravelle
General police vehicle
retired
United States
Volkswagen New Beetle
Safety Bug car
Mexico
Honda Civic/Civic Hybrid
Parking Enforcement car
Canada
Make/Model
Type
Status
Origin
BMW K1 (K75RT)
Motorcycle
Germany
Harley Davidson FLHTP
motorcycle
United States
Boats
Product list and details
Unit #
Make
Type
Notes
Marine Unit 1
Hyke Industry
Dive Platform & Command Vessel marine boat with Volvo Penta Turbo Chargd 350 hp (260 kW) engines
Marine Unit 2
VIP Boat - Mohogany & Oak Classic Patrol Boat
Marine Unit 3
Long Range Search and Rescue Vessel with Re-Righting Capabilities
Marine Unit 4
Hyke
patrol boat
Marine Unit 5
Hyke
wooden motor boat - patrol boat
Marine Unit 6
Hyke
patrol boat
Marine Unit 7
Hyke
patrol boat
SRV1
service vessel
Marine Unit 9-11
Zodiac
30-foot (9.1 m) Zodiac Rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIBs) with twin 300 horsepower (220 kW) four-stroke motors
Marine Unit 12
fan boat
Marine Unit 8
Zodiac
28-foot (8.5 m) Zodiac with a Covered Wheelhouse, Twin Turbo-Disel Jet Drive Engines
1 "HUSKY"
airboat
used for operating over ice
MU00
Seadoo GTX-4
personal watercraft
Support vehicles
Product list and details
Make/Model
Type
Status
Origin
Chevrolet Express
van - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Collision Reconstruction
United States
GMC Savanna
vans - Radio Services and Court Services
United States
GMC C series light truck
ETF
United States
Chevrolet Suburban
SUV - ETF, Marine Unit, Police Dog Service, Public Safety Unit, Radio Services
United States
Ford F350
pickup truck with horses trailer - Mounted Unit
United States
Armet Armoured Vehicles Incorporated/Ford Trooper - using F-550 chassis
tactical vehicle - ETF
United States/ Canada
Ford Van
Explosive Disposal Unit, Forensic Identification Service
United States
Ford F-series or GMC Vandura trucks
Prisoner Transportation Services Court Wagons
Canada
Freightliner Trucks FL mobile
mobile command unit
United States
Ford F-series truck chassis
tow truck
United States
Ford Van
van RIDE
United States
GMC Safari
SUV Parking Enforcement
United States
Jeep Cherokee
SUV
United States
Northrop Grumman Remotec Andros MK V1A and Andros F6B
bomb unit robots
United States
General Motors Diesel Division T6H -5307 series
Metro Police Auxiliary AUX1 and AUX 2 bus - ex-Toronto Transit Commission 7960
Canada
Motor Coach Industries MCI 102A
2 recruitmen buses
Canada
Motor Coach Industries MCI-9
bus
Canada
Orion Bus Industries Orion I
bus
Canada
Community Relations trailer - community donated
Canada
Bikes
Product list and details
Make/Model
Type
Status
Origin
Norco Bicycles Cross Country
mountain bikes
Canada
Aquila Scandium
mountain bikes - Community Action Policing
Specialized operations
Members of the Toronto Police mounted unit
Emergency Task Force
Main article: Emergency Task Force (TPS)
The Emergency Task Force (ETF) is the tactical unit of the Toronto Police Service. It is mandated to deal with high-risk situations like gun calls, hostage taking, barricaded persons, emotionally disturbed persons, high risk arrests and warrant service, and protection details. The unit was created in 1965. An earlier non-SWAT Riot and Emergency Squad emerged in 1961. Part of its role is now undertaken by the ETF, Public Safety and Emergency Management and the Mounted Unit.
Mounted unit
The horse unit was formed in 1886 to provide crowd control and now stationed at the Horse Palace at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). The unit has been based at Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo, Sunnybrook Stables and at various division in Scarborough, Ontario, and North York, Ontario. The unit has a strength of 27 horses and 40 officers.
Police horses Honest Ed and Spencer were invited to the swearing in of United States President Barack Obama by Michigan Multi- Jurisdictional Mounted Police Drill Team and Color Guard.
Horses
Honest Ed (2004); named for Ed Mirvish
Samson
Lady
General
Harry
Keith
Dragoon
Spencer
Winston
Royal
Dundas; named after Dundas Street
Lincoln; named after former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Lincoln Alexander
Boot ; named after former chief David Boothby
Simcoe
Blue Moon
Sabre
Elvis; named for Mount Unit officer killed on duty
Dorothy
Thor
Stuart
Champ
Viscount
Toby
Duke
Champ
Trooper
Blue Moon
Charger
Juno Beach
Major
Justice
Horses killed while on duty:
Brigadier (born 1998 near Listowel, Ontario) - 2006 - motor vehicle collision
Lancer - 2002 - motor vehicle collision
Police dog services
The Toronto Police K-9 unit was created in 1989 and is deployed to search for suspects, missing persons and other duties:
The service has 17 general purpose dogs. Nero and Rony are dogs attached to this unit. There are 4 drug enforcement dogs and 1 explosives detector dog (Mic).
21 officers and dogs are assigned to this unit and based at 44 Beechwood Drive in East York, Ontario.
Court Services
This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)
In the early 1980s, the Toronto Police Service (TPS) initiated the hiring of civilian personnel to fill the position of Court Officer. Court Officers are primarily responsible for the safety and security of the public within Toronto's busy court locations, as well as the transportation, security, and safety of over 400 prisoners attending court each day. Prior to 1980 this function was performed by uniformed Police Officers under the supervision of a Police Sergeant at each court location. In 1980 the first class of twenty civilian employees were appointed by the Police Services Board to replace the uniformed Police Officers at the court locations. These Court Officers were sworn in as Special Constables, pursuant to the provisions of the Police Services Act, which conferred onto them the powers of Police Officers for the performance of their duties.
As the city policing needs expanded, so did the continued civilianization of Court Services. In 1984 the first civilian supervisors were trained to replace the Police Sergeants. These supervisors reported to a Detective Sergeant who was responsible for managing all the TPS personnel assigned to a particular court location.
In the mid 1980, the Summons Bureau became a part of Court Services and the Civilian Summons Servers and support staff took on an expanded role under the newly created Document Services Section. The title Summons Server was changed to Document Server to reflect the expanded responsibilities. Document Servers are responsible for serving summonses, subpoenas and other court documents on individuals required to attend Toronto courts.
Court Services later took on the responsibility of overseeing the Matrons, now referred to as Custodial Officers, which is a small but dedicated group of employees tasked with managing female prisoners at a central location.
By 1990 Court Officers had taken over the responsibility of transporting prisoners in specialized wagons between the court locations, divisions and correctional facilities; a task previously performed only by uniformed Police Officers. This centralized service became known as the Prisoner Transportation Section. By 1995 Court Services promoted its first civilian to the position of Location Administrator, replacing the Detective Sergeants who were formerly in charge of the court locations. Today all sections within Court Services are managed by civilian Location Administrators. These Location Administrators report to one of two Staff Inspectors, who in turn report to the Superintendent of Court Services.
The role of the Special Constable within Court Services has developed significantly beyond its original mandate. As new laws were introduced by Parliament, and the City law enforcement needs became increasingly complex, Court Services evolved to assist the TPS in meeting those demands.
Court Services now employs over 700 of the Service 2500 civilian employees. It comprises several subunits including Prisoner Transportation, Document Services, the Training Section, and the Computer Assisted Scheduling of Courts (CASC). The role of the Special Constables within these subunits includes the service of legal documents; the execution of warrants; the collection DNA samples from convicted offenders; assisting the TPS Public Order Unit in maintaining order during public demonstrations; and being involved in all aspects of the Court Officer hiring and training process. In addition, members of Court Service are often utilized by the TPS for other specialized community outreach initiatives, such as the TPS Aboriginal Peacekeeping Unit; the TPS United Way fund raising initiative; and the Toronto Drug Treatment Court.
The growth in size of the Court Services Unit necessitated the creation of several specialized functions. A centralized Risk Management Section was created, tasked with the responsibility of investigating any complaints and disciplinary issues involving Court Services personnel. It is staffed by a team of detectives, under the supervision of a Detective Sergeant. The position of Crown Police Liaison Officer was also created allowing for a Detective Sergeant at each criminal court location who is dedicated to assisting the Crown Office with the processing of court cases.
As the City demand for additional court rooms increases, so does the responsibility of Court Services. There are currently 16 court locations across Toronto, with a total of 257 court rooms. In 2008 approximately 106,000 in-custody accused appeared in these court rooms. Also in that year, the Prisoner Transportation Section transported approximately 186,000 prisoners between police divisions and to and from detention centres. This required a professional staff of clerks, Police Officers and Special Constables, all working collaboratively in an impressive demonstration of excellence through people and partnerships.
Toronto Parking Enforcement
Parking enforcement on all roads and public property are the responsibility of Toronto Police.
Uniforms
TPE officers are provincial offences officers able to issue parking tickets under part II of the Ontario Provincial Offences Act. They do not carry any use of force items and are unarmed, but are issued kevlar vests for safety. They are peace officers pursuant to section 15 of the Police Services Act of Ontario for the purpose of enforcing Municipal By-Laws.
Their uniform consists of a blue shirt, black cargo pants with blue stripe, a black vest and a cap with blue stripe. Boots are similar to front line TPS officers. In winter months TPE officers have a blue jacket with reflective trim. Patches on the jackets and shirts are similar to the TPS, but with a white back ground the blue wording "Parking Enforcement".
Fleet
Their vehicles have the same paint scheme as the older TPS squad cars, but they are label with Parking Enforcement' and PKE or "PKW".
Toronto School Crossing Guards
Adult crossing guards at various intersections and crosswalks are employed and paid by the TPS. They are under charge by various Division across the city.
Marine unit
TPS is one of several police forces along Lake Ontario with a marine unit.
TPS has a fleet of 15 boats based along marine unit stations in south Etobicoke (Humber Bay West Park), Toronto Harbour and Scarborough (Bluffer's Park):
TPS Marine unit works in conjunction with:
Canadian Forces Search and Rescue unit at CFB Trenton
Peel Regional Police Marine Unit
Durham Regional Police Marine Unit
Niagara Regional Police Service Marine Unit
Halton Regional Police Marine Unit
Hamilton Police Service (Ontario) Marine Unit
Uniforms
Besides wearing the reflective vest, guards are supplied with a police issue jacket. The jackets have a patch similar to the TPS, but it has a white background and identification as school crossing guards. A winter hat similar to the Ushanka are worn in cold weather.
Sidearms and weapons
Glock 22 Large frame .40 - Regular uniformed officers
Glock 23 Compact frame .40 - Detectives
Glock 17 Large frame 9 mm - Emergency Task Force (TPS)
Glock 19 Compact frame 9 mm - Emergency Task Force (TPS)
Taser - Regular uniformed supervisors and specialized units
TPS formerly used Smith & Wesson prior to switching over to the Glock.
Weapons used by the ETF include:
MP5A3 9 mm submachine gun
Remington 700 bolt-action sniper rifle
Remington 870 shotgun (Can be issued to Regular Uniformed Officers)
Mossberg M500 shotgun (Can be issued to Regular Uniformed Officers)
Diemaco C8 carbine rifle (Can also be employed by member's of PSU when doing Court Security)
Taser International M18 taser
Taser International X26 taser
Pepper spray (OC Spray)
Tear gas (CS Gas)
Rubber bullets or bean bags rounds
ARWEN 37 37 mm riot gun (and AR-1 plastic baton rounds, may also be available to crowd/riot control officers)
Uniform
Auxiliary Police.
Front line officers wear dark navy blue shirts, cargo pants (with red stripe) and boots. Winter jackets are either dark navy blue jacket design Eisenhower style, single breasted front closing, 2 patch type breast pockets, shoulder straps, gold buttons, or yellow windbreaker style with the word POLICE in reflective silver and black at the back (Generally worn by the bicycle police). All ranks shall wear dark navy blue clip on ties when wearing long-sleeve uniforms.
Auxiliary officers (shown to the right) wear light blue shirts, with the badging of auxiliary on the bottom of the crest. Originally front line officer also wore light blue shirts but changed to the current navy blue shirts in the Fall of 2000.
Hats can be styled after baseball caps, combination caps,or fur trim hats for winter. Motorcycle units have white helmets. Black or reflective yellow gloves are also provided to officers with Traffic Services. Front line officers usually wear combination caps since that is the location of their badge.
As is the case with all Ontario Law Enforcement Officers, uniformed officers wear name tags. They are in the style of "A. Example" where the first letter of the first name is written and the last name next to it. Name tags are usually stitched on with white stitching on a black background, but they also have pin-styled with black lettering on a gold plate.
Senior officers wear white shirts and a black dress jacket.
Logo
The components of the TPS logo is similar to the old Metro Toronto Police logo less the name change:
winged wheels of industry on the top part of the shield
crown commemorating the coronation year of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953
two books for education
Caduceus - Roman god of commerce
chevron for housing
beaver from the city of Toronto logo
Ranks
Rank epaulettes
The rank insignia of the Toronto Police Service is similar to that used by police services elsewhere in Canada and in the United Kingdom, except that the usual "pips" are replaced by maple leaves.
Commanding officers
Besides the Chief of Police, the other command officers are the Deputy Chiefs. They head the command units:
Divisional Policing - Kim Derry (current)
Executive - Peter Sloly (current)
Human Resources - Keith Forde (current)
Specialized Policing - Anthony Warr (current)
The Chief Administrative Officer is a civilian post, currently held by Tony Veneziano.
Police senior officers
The day-to-day and regional operations are commanded by senior officers:
Staff Superintendent
Superintendent
Staff Inspector
Inspector
Investigative non-commissioned officers
Investigations are divided into crimes against persons and crimes against property. These investigations are conducted by:
Detective Sergeant
Detective
Detective Constable
Police officers
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Constable - first class, second class, third class, fourth class
New and current officers of the Toronto Police Service train at the Toronto Police College on Birmingham east of Islington. The initial training is 2 weeks, followed by 12 weeks at the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario and then 6 weeks of final training at Toronto Police College. Charles O. Bick College was closed in July 2009.
Emergency Services
TPS is part of Toronto's Emergency Services and works along side with:
Toronto Fire Services
Toronto EMS
Heavy Urban Search and Rescue
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Toronto Police Service
Auxiliary Constable
Emergency Task Force
History of crime in Toronto
TTC Special Constable Services
Police Recruitment Canada
References
^ HISTORY OF THE TORONTO POLICE PART 4: 1875 - 1920
^ Police killed unarmed teen, family says
^ Jeffrey Michael Reodica Inquest Jury Recommendations, Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario
^ Toronto Police Services Board, Minutes of the Meeting of April 26, 2007, pages 85-90
^ Chilean soccer team involved in melee with police
^ La Nacion.cl
^ FIFA vows action after U-20 brawl
^ Torontoist: Lazy Avec Le "Metro"
^ a b Toronto Police Service. "Toronto Police Division Boundaries and Addresses". http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/uniform.php.
^ "Reasons for Selection, 2009 Greater Toronto's Top Employers Competition". http://www.eluta.ca/top-employer-toronto-police-service.
^
^ "Toronto police duo saddles up for Obama". Toronto Star. http://www.thestar.com/news/world/uselection/article/572006--toronto-police-duo-saddles-up-for-obama. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
External links
Toronto Police Official Site
Toronto Police Services Board
Toronto Police History
Toronto Police history 2
22 Division Toronto Police Service Rovers
Inquest into Jeffrey Reodica shooting begins
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Law enforcement agencies in Canada
Federal
Canada Border Services Agency Canadian Forces Military Police Canadian Forces National Investigation Service Correctional Service of Canada Environment Canada Enforcement Branch Royal Canadian Mounted Police Canadian Rangers
Provincial
Alberta Sheriff British Columbia Sheriff Services British Columbia Conservation Officer Service Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia Ontario Provincial Police RCMP "E" Division Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Sret du Qubec
Regional and
municipal
Abbotsford Police Department Barrie Police Service Brockville Police Service Calgary Police Service Central Saanich Police Service Charlottetown Police Department Delta Police Department Durham Regional Police Service Edmonton Police Service Fredericton Police Gananoque Police Service Greater Sudbury Police Service Guelph Police Service Halifax Regional Police Halton Regional Police Service Hamilton Police Service Lethbridge Regional Police Service London Police Service Medicine Hat Police Service New Westminster Police Service Niagara Regional Police Service Ottawa Police Service Peel Regional Police Port Moody Police Department Rgie intermunicipale de police de la Rivire-du-Nord Regina Police Service Rothesay Regional Police Force Saanich Police Department Saskatoon Police Service Service de police de la Ville de Laval Service de police de Longueuil Service de police de la Ville de Montral Service de police de la Ville de Qubec Thunder Bay Police Service Timmins Police Service Toronto Police Service Vancouver Police Department Victoria Police Department Waterloo Regional Police Service West Vancouver Police Department Winnipeg Police Service York Regional Police
Specialized
Anishinabek Police Service CN Police Calgary Transit Public Safety and Enforcement Section Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service Niagara Parks Police Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service Special Investigations Unit South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service McMaster University Security Service Treaty Three Police Service TTC Special Constable Services University of Toronto Campus Community Police Service YRT/VIVA Special Constable Services
Defunct
British Columbia Provincial Police Newfoundland Rangers Organized Crime Agency of British Columbia
Military Police Complaints Commission Police board
Lists
Aboriginal Police in Canada List of law enforcement agencies in British Columbia List of law enforcement agencies in Canada Provincial correctional services in Canada
Museums
RCMP Heritage Centre Rotary Museum of Police and Corrections Vancouver Police Museum Winnipeg Police Museum
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Government and politics of Toronto
Mayor City Council Toronto Public Library Toronto District School Board Fire Services Housing Police Service Toronto Support Services Division Toronto Technical Services Division Toronto Water Toronto Shelter, Support & Housing Administration Division
Categories: Municipal government of Toronto | Toronto Police Service | Rescue agencies | Organizations established in 1834Hidden categories: Articles needing additional references from December 2009 | All articles needing additional references | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements from September 2009
