The Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board has cancelled its monthly meetings until at least April, and South Simcoe police have reduced the information services available at both North and South Division stations.
There will be no processing of record checks during the pandemic, and citizens are asked to check the website or call ahead for other information services.
Residents are also asked not to attend “unless absolutely necessary,” and definitely to avoid coming in if feeling unwell.
But that doesn’t mean that there has been any reduction in policing.
South Simcoe Police Service continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation in partnership with local, provincial and national health agencies and first-responders.
“At this time, first and foremost, we want to assure the public that we are on duty and ready to respond,” South Simcoe police said in a statement.
Police Chief Andrew Fletcher noted that the situation has required “adjustment,” but pointed out that wearing personal protective equipment is nothing new for officers.
“In policing, we’re used to dealing with situations where you don’t know who you’re dealing with,” he said, whether an individual has AIDS or Hepatitis C, for example.
What makes the current situation different, he said, is the “rapid rate of transmission. ... It does become more concerning,” raising anxiety levels.
The police department is attempting to take precautions by pre-screening calls for service.
Anyone who calls 911 to request an officer will be asked several questions relating to the COVID-19 health risks before staff will be dispatched. Is the complaint something that can be handled over the phone? Is there anyone in the home who is ill?
Depending on the answers, officers may arrive wearing personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks, for their own protection, but the business of policing continues.
“We’re still stopping cars,” the chief said. “You can’t stop doing your job. The community expects us to keep them safe.”
It’s a difficult job, under difficult circumstances, made even more difficult by the behaviour of some residents. Traffic is lighter than usual, but there are still speeders and careless drivers.
And some residents seem to be ignoring requests for that they stay home, unless absolutely necessary, and practise self-isolation or at least physical distancing.
“They’re not just going out for the needs and necessities,” Fletcher noted, but for more mundane reasons.
It can make more work for police. When Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced a ban on gatherings of more than five people, the police service received a flood of calls from residents reporting groups ignoring the ban.
Fortunately, the complaints can now be dealt with by bylaw officers, with police called as a last resort.
It’s important for residents to listen to health authorities, Fletcher said. It only takes a look at what is happening in other parts of the world to get a sense of what can happen when people refuse to self-isolate or take precautions.
“I think we’re in for the long haul,” he said. “If people do what they’re asked to do, we might lessen the spike of it.”
Although, the longer the pandemic goes on, there’s no denying that anxiety levels will rise.
Citizens have asked how they can assist police during the COVID-19 crisis.
Fletcher has a simple answer: “Stay home. If you’re out, you’re making it risky for our people.”
The chief is also asking residents to check on family members, friends and neighbours, especially seniors and the vulnerable.
“Check on your neighbours. Call them. Call family and friends. Skype them, give them a call, make sure they’re OK,” he said.
As the police statement noted: “We ask for your understanding and patience during this challenging and unprecedented time. Our priority is always public safety and the protection of our members, both officers and civilians. By working together and helping each other, we can weather this storm.”
