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Barrie, South Simcoe police not exercising new authority to randomly stop cars

'Our officers will not be conducting ‘spot checks’ on vehicles or individuals,' Barrie police announced
2021-04-17 Police lights
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Local police forces say they won’t be doing stop checks following stepped-up restrictions announced by Premier Doug Ford on Friday.

Both the Barrie Police Service and South Simcoe Police Service, along with many other police forces across the province, have announced they will not be stopping motorists.

“The #BarriePolice Service recognizes that our province is facing challenging times in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to focus on the 4 E's  engage, explain, educate and enforce. Our officers will not be conducting ‘spot checks’ on vehicles or individuals,” the city force tweeted.

South Simcoe police posted a similar message: “The South Simcoe Police Service is reviewing the new #COVIID19 regulations. We will continue to use discretion in our day-to-day interactions with the public and will not be conducting random vehicle or person stops.”

Along with a stricter stay-at-home order, new travel restrictions were imposed along with further strengthening public health measures.

Police and provincial offences officers were given the authority to require any individual to provide their home address and purpose for not being at their residence. In addition, police were given the authority to stop vehicles to inquire about an individual's reasons for leaving their home.

Ontario Provincial Police, which is also being saddled with border control, hasn’t said whether or not its officers will be doing vehicle checks.

The provincial force stated simply that is enforcing the new regulations as well as strict measures at provincial borders and limitations on outdoor recreational activity.


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About the Author: Marg. Bruineman, Local Journalism Initiative

Marg. Buineman is an award-winning journalist covering justice issues and human interest stories for BarrieToday.
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