Police in Barrie and South Simcoe are joining departments across Canada for Police Week, which is a celebration of the work front-line police officers, 9-1-1 communicators, and civilian staff do to keep citizens safe and healthy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme in Ontario for Police Week, which runs until Saturday, is Leading the Way to Safer Communities, which focuses on the many ways police promote the safety and well-being of everyone in the community.
The COVID-19 pandemic means annual open houses can't be held as has been traditionally done during Police Week.
Instead, Barrie police will be highlighting on social media how its members serve the community. Those stories will be shared on Twitter (@BarriePolice), on Facebook (Barrie Police Service), and Instagram (@BarriePolice).
South Simcoe police, which covers Innisfil and Bradford, will be having virtual open houses on their social media in order to maintain physical distancing while engaging with our residents and showcasing our members and specialized equipment.
The annual Police Week in Ontario is sponsored by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General. It is part of a national effort led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police to recognize and honour the work of police service members.
