COVID-19: Reporting Violations and Inquiries
General Inquires
Brantford Police Service – Public FAQ’s
Police Services
Q. How can I file a police report?
Q. Can I go to the police station to make a report?
Q. How can I get a Criminal Record Check, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check or a Vulnerable Sector Screening?
Q. Can I pick up my property?
Q. I need to attend a Collision Reporting Centre, are they open?
Q. How are the Emergency Orders that are now in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 enforced?
Complaints related to self-isolation or quarantine
Complaints related to non-compliance with physical distancing guidelines on private property (e.g. grocery stores)
Q. What is Social Distancing?
- Avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
- Avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
- Limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
- Keeping a distance of at least two arms lengths (approximately two metres or six feet) from others
- Washing hands and often touched spaces frequently
Q. What are Police doing to ensure businesses and their property are being protected?
BPS remains committed to providing essential services throughout the community. We recognize that many businesses have temporarily closed due to COVID-19. As always, we will continue proactive patrols and respond to calls for service to ensure the safety and security of our community. If members of the public observe suspicious activity or individuals, near or close to a business, they are encouraged to call police immediately. Reporting crime and providing relevant information allows our investigators to identify suspects and solve crime.
Complaints regarding price gouging
Businesses who have additional questions
Companies and workplaces that have questions about the temporary closure of all non-essential workplaces related order can call Ontario’s Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659
For any other type of business, report your concerns to the City Online for call the City’s Customer Contact Center at 519-759-4150.
For more information about what the City can enforce in priority order, please visit: http://www.Brantford.ca/covid19Violations
Employee Concerns
Q. What should I do if someone comes to my house, calls me or sends a text asking for COVID-19 relief donations or is selling COVID-19 related products and services?
Staffing & Screening
Q. Are there enough police officers to keep the city safe?
Q. Is the Brantford Police Service screening those in custody?
Enforcement Practices
Q. Has there been a reduction in crime or have police officers stopped making arrests?
There has been no change in the operational direction provided to our members.
We are not experiencing a significant change to our calls for service, however; we are asking the public to please not call 9-1-1 unless there is an immediate threat to life or property. Any questions related to COVID-19 should be directed to local public health officials and/or the City’s COVID-19 line at 519-759-4150.
Q. Why do I have to identify myself?
On March 31, 2020, the Government of Ontario made changes that require an individual to identify themselves at the request of a police officer, if there are reasonable grounds to believe the individual is violating an emergency order.
Q. What is the role of the Police?
The role of the police during a pandemic or emergency situation continues to be focused on ensuring public safety, providing public information and education, and enforcing the law in a thoughtful manner. Municipal, provincial, or federal governments may invoke legislation that, in some cases, provides the police with new powers of authority for a defined period of time, usually until the problem being addressed is resolved.
Complaints received by the police about groups or establishments breaching various orders could involve, but are not necessarily limited to, the following actions:
- Receive and assess the complaint to determine if there is a violation of any legislation and/or regulations and if police, public health officials or other entities (such as bylaw officers) are required.
- If a violation of the legislation and/or regulations has been assessed, charges may be laid. However, emphasis is being placed on education to ensure compliance. Enforcement is generally considered as a last resort and is likely to be focused on repeat offenders.
- If a party is found to be guilty of an offence, they could be subject to fines and/or jail time depending on the legislation.
When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible that the police may be called upon to enforce new authorities that have been invoked by various levels of government. There are numerous discussions taking place across the country to determine the best approach to this evolving situation.
Q. How do I find more information about COVID-19?
Ontario has launched a dedicated web page to provide up to date public information with a summary of data from Public Health Ontario that offers expanded information every day at 10:30 a.m. https://covid-19.ontario.ca/
Public Advisory: Public Requested to Avoid Attending Large Gatherings
Homicide Investigation - UPDATE
The victim was transported to a hospital trauma center however; he did succumb to his injuries shortly thereafter. This incident is being investigated as a homicide.
Police anticipate being on scene in the Diana Avenue area throughout the day.
Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area between 9:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., who may have observed anyone or heard anything suspicious to contact Sergeant Charles Wheeler or Detective Jason Sinning of the Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit at 519-756-7050 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477, 1-800-222-8477 or www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Although still early in the investigation, police do not believe this to be a random incident.
Further details to be released as they become available.
Request for Assistance in Suspect Identification
Incident #21-12278
Brantford Police are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying a male suspect in a robbery investigation.
On April 7, 2021 at approximately 5:15 p.m. a male suspect attended a business on King George Road near the 403 in the City of Brantford. The male suspect robbed the business and fled on foot. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.
The suspect is described as being an approximate 40 year-old male, who walked with a noticeable limp, had long dark shoulder length hair, wearing blue pants, grey zip up hoodie, hat, black glasses and dark bandana covering his face.
It is believed that the suspect in this robbery fled the scene in a black 4-door Mazda 3 hatchback vehicle. Police are looking for assistance in identifying this vehicle and driver.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chad Francis of the Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit at 519-756-7050 ext. 2272 or Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
ORIGINAL RELEASE
The Brantford Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect in a robbery investigation.
On April 7, 2021 at approximately 5:15pm a male suspect attended a business on King George Road in the City of Brantford. The male suspect robbed the business and fled on foot.
PUBLIC ADVISORY: OFF-ROAD VEHICLES PROHIBITED ON CITY ROADS AND TRAILS
MISSING: 30-YEAR-OLD KAYLA CLAUSE - LOCATED
Kayla CLAUSE is known to reside in Brantford and Hamilton and was last seen in Hamilton area on April 1, 2021. She is described as female, Indigenous, 5’1”, medium build, brown hair, hazel eyes. No clothing description is available.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for the well-being of Kayla CLAUSE and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating her.
If located, please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251
MISSING PERSON: LOCATED - 14 YEAR-OLD JASLYNN MAY CARRIGAN-BRANT-MACDONALD
Please be advised, Jaslynn CARRIGAN-BRANT-MACDONALD has been safely located.
BPS would like to thank the public for their concern and assistance.
ORIGINAL RELEASE
April 9, 2021
Jaslynn May CARRIGAN-BRANT-MACDONALD was last seen in the evening hours of April 8, 2021 in the area of Wellington Street. She is described as female, Caucasian, 5’3” with blonde hair and a small-medium build. She was last seen wearing short grey shorts, dark blue hoodie, running shoes, and had a camouflage backpack with her.
The Brantford Police Service are concerned for the well-being of Jaslynn May CARRIGAN-BRANT-MACDONALD and are seeking assistance from anyone who may have information which may assist in locating her.
If located, please contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-7050. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251
Request for Assistance in Suspect Identification
Incident #21-11636
April 8, 2021
On April 2, 2021 at approximately 4:33pm the male suspect was in the area of Colborne Street and Park Ave in the City of Brantford with his dog. The male suspect got into a verbal argument with the female victim who is unknown to the male. During this verbal confrontation the male suspect throw a cup of coffee at the victim and then proceeded to punch the victim in the face several times.
The suspect is described as being a male, 30-35 years old, tall and average build with dark short hair. Wearing denim jacket and jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Chad Francis of the Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit at 519-756-7050 ext 2272 or Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.


BPS Lay Multiple Charges After Large Gatherings
The Brantford Police Service recognizes the Charter protected right of any group to assemble peacefully in order to draw public attention to a specific cause so long as such a gathering does not breach any applicable statutes or municipal by-laws. Any gathering, regardless of its intended purpose, which is over the legal limit, will merit an appropriate police response in order to enhance community safety concerns.
Large gatherings of more than five people are not permitted under Emergency Orders.
On April 2, 2021, the Brantford Police Service monitored and attended a gathering outside the John Noble Home, Mt. Pleasant Street as well as, on April 3, 2021, a large gathering at the corner of Wayne Gretzky Parkway and Henry Street.
Organizers have been identified by officers and 12 breaches of the Provincial Reopening Act were issued following the event. The charges laid were for Failing to Comply with a Continued 7.0.2 Order. The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges may result.
Brantford Police Service continue to work alongside the City of Brantford Bylaw Enforcement and Public Health to attend large gatherings and will take steps to ensure the safety of the community as a whole. Police will issue tickets and summonses to individuals when there is evidence of non-compliance of the provincial orders.
BPS encourage everyone to do their part to support our health care system and workers at this difficult time and minimize the impact of COVID-19 in all of our communities.
BPS continues to provide public safety services to the community we serve and supports the efforts of federal, provincial and local health authorities to limit the transmission of COVID-19, including the government-mandated Emergency Brake Shutdown and Emergency Stay-at-Home Orders during this pandemic. We appreciate the public’s ongoing support of these measures.
Safe Resolution to Male-in-Crisis Incident
On April 4, 2021, at approximately 1:21 p.m., Brantford Police Service responded to reports of a male in crisis at a residence on Grey Street.
Uniformed officers, negotiators, and the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT) are onsite in an effort to resolve the situation safely. MCRRT partners uniformed officers with experienced mental health professionals to respond and provide crisis intervention.
While there is no concern for public safety, out of an abundance of caution, area roads have been closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the immediate area.
Brantford Police Service would also like to thank area residences for their ongoing patience and concern while we are working to safely resolve this incident.
This incident is active. Additional updates will be provided as available.