COVID-19: Reporting Violations and Inquiries
General Inquires
Any general inquiries regarding COVID-19 can be answered by contacting the City’s Customer Contact Center at 519-759-4150
To report a violation of the provincial or municipal orders, please complete this Online Form or call the City’s Customer Contact Center at 519-759-4150
Brantford Police Service – Public FAQ’s
As the situation related to COVID-19 continues to quickly evolve, the Brantford Police Service has been working closely with our City of Brantford Emergency Management partners in response to the COVID-19 pandemic including the County of Brant, Six Nations, Brant County Health Unit and the Brant Community Healthcare System.
We have been taking advice from public health officials and making decisions that balance our need to provide community safety with maintaining the health and safety of our members.
Policing personnel are conducting active screening, in the course of our duties, for potential risks of COVID-19 with everyone entering our police facility to ensure the safety and well-being of all other individuals.
Currently, there are no changes to our frontline operations.
Police Services
Q. How can I file a police report?
If you have an emergency – an immediate threat to life or property and/or risk to public safety – please call 911.
Non-emergencies can be reported by calling 519-756-0113.
Many incidents can be reported using our online reporting system http://www.brantfordpolice.ca such as Damage to Vehicle or Property under $5,000, Driving Complaints, Traffic Issues or Concerns, Graffiti, or Theft or Fraud Under $5,000.
Q. Can I go to the police station to make a report?
In an effort to protect the health and well-being of our members, we are asking members of the public to refrain from attending the station unless in an emergency situation. Please note that should you need to provide payment for services such as a vulnerable sector check, cash transactions are not being accepted at this time. Payment can be made via debit, mastercard or visa.
Q. How can I get a Criminal Record Check, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check or a Vulnerable Sector Screening?
At this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our office is not accepting in-person applications for police checks or facilitating civilian fingerprints. During this time, we encourage all applicants to apply for police checks using the Online Police Background Records Check portal. This is located in the "Useful Links" box. All record checks that pass authentication will be automatically mailed out when completed.
Please note: If you are under the age of 21 or have limited credit history, you can still pay for and submit your application online to get the process started. If you fail to authenticate or require fingerprints, we will not be able to complete your application until the office is fully operational again. You may show your employer/volunteer organization your receipt, as proof of your application, and have them refer to our website for confirmation of our limited access.
Until further notice, previously submitted requests, will NOT be available for pick up. Exceptions will be made for those requiring a Vulnerable Sector Check under emergency circumstances.
NEW: Effective November 1, 2018, the new Police Records Check Reform Act is in effect. Due to changes imposed by the legislation, the Brantford Police Service will no longer accept and process police record checks for persons under the age of 18, UNLESS the applicant is applying for a position with a government agency (federal, provincial, or municipal). Eligible young persons must apply in person, not our on-line process.
Please note: you MUST be a current resident of the City of Brantford (taxes paid to the City of Brantford) and your address must be policed by the Brantford Police Service in order to apply through this Police Service. If you are unsure if you are eligible to apply through the Brantford Police Service, please call us at 519-756-0113 ext 3336 for verification as NO REFUNDS will be issued.
Information about Vulnerable Sector Checks can be found online at www.brantfordpolice.ca or by calling 519-756-0113.
Q. Can I pick up my property?
Please contact the Property Unit Clerks by calling 519-756-0113 ext. 2217 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m Monday to Friday regarding any questions you may have and to arrange a suitable time to pick up your property.
Q. I need to attend a Collision Reporting Centre, are they open?
Yes. However, the Collision Reporting Centre has amended hours of operation to 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and are now closed on Saturdays until further notice.
Screening methods have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of the public and their employees. These may include instructing citizens to remain outside in their vehicles to await a CRC staff member, putting restrictions on who can attend, increased sanitization, not handling customer documents, and encouraging social distancing.
Q. How are the Emergency Orders that are now in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 enforced?
Contraventions of the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act (EMPCA) and/or City of Brantford By-law violations will result in the attendance of a City By-law Officer or Brant County Health Unit Inspection Officer, supported by a member of Brantford Police Service or Ontario Provincial Police (if warranted).
Should the City of Brantford institute any additional by-laws, they will be enforced by the City of Brantford’s By-law Enforcement Officers and supported by Police, if warranted.
The severity of each infraction in relation to the potential risk to public health and the spread of COVID-19 will be considered when taking enforcement action. Consistent with existing enforcement approaches, a graduated approach to compliance will be implemented. This could include providing educational messaging or warnings to members of the public around the emergency orders and, if compliance is not obtained, the issuance of a ticket under the Part I of the Provincial Offences Act or a summons under Part III of the Act.
Complaints related to self-isolation or quarantine
On March 25, 2020 the Government of Canada invoked the Quarantine Act. This requires all travelers returning to Canada – with the exception of what the federal government is calling "essential workers” – enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, regardless of whether any symptoms of COVID-19 are present.
For concerns relating to returning travelers who are not self-isolating and who arrived on or after March 25, please contact Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 and press '1'
To report a violation of the provincial or municipal orders, please complete this Online Form or 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
Complaints related to non-compliance with physical distancing guidelines on private property (e.g. grocery stores)
Physical distancing of being two metres (six feet) apart from another person is required to control the spread of COVID-19. People should avoid crowds and practice physical distance everywhere, including in open establishments, such as grocery stores.
For complaints relating to people not following the physical distance guideline on private property, please contact Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 and press '1'.
For more information on how to practice physical distancing, visit the BCHU website at: https://www.bchu.org/coronavirus
Q. What is Social Distancing?
In order to decrease transmission of COVID-19, all residents are reminded to practice social distancing. This involves taking steps to minimize close contact with others, including:
- 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
Please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness.
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
The Province has both an online and telephone option for the public to report incidents of price gouging. Online reports can be made at: https://www.ontario.ca/form/report-price-gouging-related-covid-19 or, consumers can call Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.
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
If you have COVID-19 concerns or questions about your workplace or construction site, please call the Ministry of Labour’s Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008
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?
Brantford Police Services reminds the public to be extra vigilant when it comes to those trying to sell or provide products or services associated with COVID-19. Reliable, accurate and up-to-date information is provided through local public health officials. Anyone who believes they have been approached or contacted by someone who is misrepresenting themselves in an effort to sell goods or services should report this to Brantford Police online at http://www.brantfordpolice.ca
Staffing & Screening
Q. Are there enough police officers to keep the city safe?
Brantford Police Service members have been provided with the same direction as the public when it comes to travel, self-isolation, and self-monitoring.
It is not in the interest of community safety for us to disclose our exact deployment numbers but we can say, at this time, this direction has impacted an extremely small number of members and we have not had to make any changes to our frontline policing services.
Prior to COVID-19, the Brantford Police Service had plans in place to address staffing needs during a public crisis or emergency. These plans include repurposing of resources, modifying members’ shifts, and adjusting our service delivery model. All of these steps would allow us to maintain public safety and respond to emergency calls for service. We have not had to make these adjustments to date.
Q. Is the Brantford Police Service screening those in custody?
We will not speak to any specific cases but we can say that every person in police custody is screened at least three times: upon arrest, at the station, and again when they are transported to court by a supervisor. These screenings include such questions as: do you have symptoms, have you travelled, have you been quarantined, etc. We continue to work with our emergency management partners to ensure our screening is the most effective it can be in determining the well-being of people in our custody to prevent possible exposure to our members and those who work along side us in the justice system.
Regarding releasing people rather than remanding, if we can release someone from custody we will, but our priority is on the safety of the public. If necessary, we have and will continue to seek opportunities to limit exposure to those who are in custody and will remain so throughout the court process.
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.
City of Brantford Bylaw Officers and Brant County Health Unit staff continue to lead with monitoring and providing information and education to non-compliant individuals and businesses. The Brantford Police Service will assist with these enforcement efforts, when necessary. This includes visiting establishments that have not complied with the provincial directive and, under each circumstance, using officer discretion to determine the proper action.
There are various options of enforcement, ranging in severity from a $750 ticket to a summons, which upon conviction can result in fines from $100,000 for individuals to $10 million for businesses, to arrests and criminal charges of Obstruct Police.
You are required to identify yourself once the officer has reasonable grounds to lay a charge so the officer can properly issue you a ticket or summons, whichever they deem necessary.
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/
For local information, please visit the Brant County Health Unit website, undated daily at 11am: http://www.bchu.org
Ontario’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Last Update: December 29, 2020
BPS Investigate Fire Fatality
Inc 21- 01838
On Saturday, January 16, 2021 at approximately 11:15
a.m., Brantford Police Service responded to an Assist Fire call at a residence
on White Owl Crescent.
Brantford Fire Department located and extricated a
female patient, who succumbed to her injuries a short time later.
The Brantford Police Service Major Crime Unit is
continuing to investigate the matter in partnership with the Ontario Fire
Marshall’s office and Brantford Fire Prevention. The scene is being held for
further investigation.
Anyone
with knowledge of the event is asked to call Detective Jeff COTTER at 519-756-7050
ext. 2271.
"Public Safety in Partnership with our
Community”
Crime Brief - January 14, 2021
Type: Mischief
Type: Robbery / Firearm Charges
Incident: 21-01147
Location: Market Street
On Sunday, January 10, 2021 at approximately 9:40 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call from an employee at a restaurant located on Market Street to report an armed robbery.
Type: Theft
Incident: 21-01412
Location: Dufferin Avenue / William Street
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at approximately 3:45 a.m. officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the area of Dufferin Ave in regards to a report of a male who was observed opening car doors of several motor vehicles within the area.
Incident: 21-00822
Location: Colborne Street and Park Avenue
On Friday, January 8, 2021 at approximately 4:18 a.m., members of the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a convenience store located at Colborne Street and Park Avenue in regards to a report of a male having damaged a motor vehicle.
Location: Colborne Street and Park Avenue
On Friday, January 8, 2021 at approximately 4:18 a.m., members of the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a convenience store located at Colborne Street and Park Avenue in regards to a report of a male having damaged a motor vehicle.
Officers
attended the scene where investigation revealed that a male had slashed the
tire of a vehicle in the parking lot after engaging in an argument with the
owner of the vehicle. Surveillance video from the scene allowed officers to
identify the suspect.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was bound by a probation order to keep the peace and be of good behavior.
As a result of the investigation, a 40-year-old male from Brantford has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was bound by a probation order to keep the peace and be of good behavior.
As a result of the investigation, a 40-year-old male from Brantford has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
- Mischief under $5000
- Breach of Probation Order
Type: Robbery / Firearm Charges
Incident: 21-01147
Location: Market Street
On Sunday, January 10, 2021 at approximately 9:40 p.m., officers with the Brantford Police Service received a 9-1-1 call from an employee at a restaurant located on Market Street to report an armed robbery.
A male was reported to have entered the
restaurant with his face concealed, brandished a firearm and demanded money
from the restaurant employee. The accused was unsuccessful at obtaining money and
proceeded to steal the employee’s cell phone and several beverages before
fleeing the scene on foot. The restaurant employee was not injured as a result
of the robbery.
Upon arriving on scene, officers observed an
individual matching the description of the accused, in close proximity to the
restaurant. When speaking officers, the suspect was evasive and attempted to
leave the scene. The suspect was found to be in possession of the victim’s cell
phone.
Further investigation revealed that the name
the suspect provided to officers was determined to be a false identity. The accused was also determined to be bound by two probation
orders and four weapons prohibition orders for various offences.
As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old male from Brantford was arrested and has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old male from Brantford was arrested and has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Firearm – use while committing and offence
- Point firearm
- Disguise with intent
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Obstruct peace officer
- Breach of Probation
- Firearm of weapon – possession contrary to prohibition x 4
The accused was held for bail.
Type: Theft
Incident: 21-01412
Location: Dufferin Avenue / William Street
On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at approximately 3:45 a.m. officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the area of Dufferin Ave in regards to a report of a male who was observed opening car doors of several motor vehicles within the area.
While travelling to scene, officers observed a male matching the
description of the accused exiting a vehicle in the area of William and
Richmond Street. When speaking with the officer, the male admitted to entering
the vehicles and returned various items from the backpack he had stolen from
vehicles.
Investigation revealed the
accused had entered and stolen various items from four motor vehicles. All
property was obtained by the officers, to be returned to the owners.
As a result of the
investigation, a 24-year-old male from Brantford has been charged with Theft
Under $5,000 contrary to the Criminal
Code.
"Public
Safety in Partnership with our Community”
BPS Seek Information in Drive-by Shooting Incident
Incident# 21-336
On Monday, January 4, 2021 at approximately 12:28 a.m. officers with the Brantford Police responded to a 9-1-1 call from a resident on Eddy Avenue regarding a vehicle that had been damaged by gun shots.
Investigation has revealed that a vehicle travelled past the Eddy Avenue residence and an unknown suspect fired multiple rounds from a firearm into a vehicle parked in the driveway of the residence. The suspect vehicle left the area, travelling eastbound on Eddy Ave.
A description of the suspect(s) is not available at this time.
The suspect vehicle is described as a white sedan of an unknown make and model.
No injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.
As this investigation is active, additional information is not available for release at this time.
Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact police at 519-756-7050 or 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
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
BPS Seek Suspects in BB Gun Assaults
The Brantford Police Service are investigating two separate incidents involving an individual being shot with a BB gun.
On Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at approximately 5:45 p.m. the Brantford Police responded to a 9-1-1 call from a convenience store located at Colborne Street and Park Avenue regarding an injured male.
The victim, a 21-year-old-male, was approached by two unknown females who requested money. The male declined to provide money to the females and was then shot multiple times with a BB gun by one of the suspects.
The suspects left the scene on foot, travelling southbound on Park Ave.
The victim was transported to hospital where he received treatment for his injuries.
Suspect Description
Suspect #1:
Female, early 20’s, wearing a dark grey hooded sweatshirt, red "Adidas” style pants, a camouflage patterned backpack
Suspect #2:
Female, early 20’s, wearing a blue hoodie with a Toronto Maple Leafs logo on the front, black "Adidas” style pants, and a back pack
On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at approximately 3:15 p.m., in the area of Market Street and Dalhousie Street, Brantford Police responded to a report of an injured female.
Investigation revealed that after a dispute, a 23 year-old female victim was shot once with a BB gun by a female suspect.
The victim fled to safety and called for police. She was subsequently transported to hospital where she received treatment for minor injuries. The suspect fled the scene on foot.
Suspect Description: Female, early 20’s
It is unknown at this time whether the two incidents are related.
As these investigations are active, additional information is not available for release at this time.
The Brantford Police Service are continuing to investigate these incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-756-7050 or 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
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
Crime Brief - January 7, 2021
Type: Weapons
Incident: 21-00025
Location: Dalhousie Street
On Friday, January 1, 2021 at approximately 3:36 a.m., members of the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a residence on Dalhousie Street in regards to a possible offensive weapons call.
Officers attended the scene where investigation revealed that an uninvited female had arrived at the residence and was acting erratic. Upon being asked to leave by the residents, the female brandished a kitchen knife in a threatening manner. A scuffle occurred, resulting in a male victim receiving minor injuries while attempting to disarm the female.
As a result of the investigation, a 26-year-old female from Brantford stands charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:
- Weapons Dangerous
- Mischief under $5000
- Assault with a weapon
Type: Assault / COVID – Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) Infraction
Incident: 21-00128
Location: Brantford General Hospital, Terrace Hill Street
On Saturday, January 2, 2021, officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to the Brantford General Hospital to assist on-site security with an assaultive individual.
The accused male had attended the Brantford General Hospital numerous times throughout the day, where he had caused several previous disturbances.
At approximately 12:03 a.m. on January 2, 2021, security officers noticed the male from earlier in the day in the waiting room of the emergency department not wearing a face mask, contrary to the hospital’s COVID-19 pandemic policy. After being asked to wear a mask, the male refused and became irate. Several patients in the emergency room expressed concern regarding the male’s behaviour. The male acted out, damaging dividers in the waiting room which were in place for pandemic related safety measures.
Upon being asked to leave by security, the male refused and spit in the face of both security guards. The male also made multiple threats to cause damage to the building as well as injury to patients within.
At approximately 12:56 a.m., the security guards attempted to arrest the accused male however, he resisted arrest. Again, the male spit on one of the security guards.
Brantford Police were contacted at approximately 1:01am for assistance. Arriving on scene at approximately 1:08 a.m. Brantford Police Officers continued the arrest.
Investigation revealed that the accused was bound by various orders with conditions including multiple probation orders.
As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old male from Brantford was charged with the following Criminal Code violations:
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
- Breach of Probation x2
- Breach Court Order
- Cause Disturbance
- Assault x2
- Resist Arrest
- Uttering Threats
- Uttering Threats to Property
The accused was also charged with the following:
- Fail to leave premises when directed contrary to the Trespass to Property Act, and
- Failure to comply contrary to the Reopening Ontario Act
The accused was held for bail.
Type: Disturbance / Property Damage
Incident: 21-00318
Location: Sheridan Street and Clarence Street
On Sunday, January 3, 2021, Officers with the Brantford Police were dispatched at approximately 8:17 p.m. to the area of Clarence Street and Sheridan Street in regards to reports of a male damaging motor vehicles and creating a disturbance while traveling on foot on Sheridan Street.
Upon arriving on scene, officers observed the door of a motor vehicle with extensive damage and the accused was heard shouting and screaming in the street.
The accused had significantly damaged four motor vehicles by using his foot to kick the doors of the motor vehicles.
Further investigation revealed that the accused is currently bound to two separate probation orders, with the condition of "keep the peace and be of good behaviour.”
At approximately 8:25 p.m., the accused was taken into custody after he became assaultive toward officers.
As a result of the investigation, a 35-year-old male from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Mischief under $5000 x 4
- Cause Disturbance
- Breach of Probation x 2
The accused was held for bail.
Type: Fraud
Incident: 21-00645
Location: Lynden Road
On January 6, 2021 at approximately 3:54 p.m., Police were dispatched to a financial institution located on Lynden Road in response to a report of a fraud in progress. Bank staff reported that a female was attempting to create a bank account and credit card under a stolen identity.
Upon investigation, the identification and documents presented to the bank were confirmed to be stolen. The accused was found to be in possession of numerous identity documents, financial debit and credit cards, cheques, and gift cards belonging to several named victims and other possible unknown victims. The accused was also in possession of a crowbar.
The accused is bound by a Form 10 Undertaking with the condition to only possess credit-debit cards in their name, as well as two Probation Orders; one to keep the peace and be of good behaviour, and one prohibiting the accused from possessing any credit or debit card unless lawfully issued in their name.
As a result of the investigation, a 35-year-old female from Brantford stands charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Forgery
- Fraud Under $5000
- Identity Theft
- Identity Fraud x 3
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x 2
- Possession of Credit Card
- Possession of Break in Instruments
- Failure to Comply with Undertaking
- Breach of Probation
The accused was held for bail.
COVID-19 Outbreak at BPS Resolved
UPDATE:
January 5, 2021
At this time, BPS would like to advise the public that the previously reported outbreak at the Brantford Police Service has been declared over as of January 3, 2021.
We would like to thank the public for the outpouring of support they have shown our members.
Brantford Police Service is dedicated to ensuring public safety and would like to thank our officers and members who have been working diligently to protect our community during these unprecedented times.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
December 27, 2020
Effective December 27, 2020, the Brant County Health Unit has declared a workplace outbreak at the Brantford Police Service Station. A workplace outbreak is declared when there are two or more laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases with an epidemiological link in the workplace (e.g., same work area, same shift) within a 14-day period, where cases could have reasonably acquired their infection in the workplace.
These are the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Brantford Police Service.
The members were last at work on December 18, 2020. All areas where the members worked have undergone a deep cleaning. All members of the Brantford Police Service are screened daily under internal COVID-19 precautions.
The Service is working closely with the Brant County Health Unit to ensure proper contact tracing is undertaken while the affected members recover at home.
Modifications to Non-Emergency Services
In response to the provincial shutdown, the Brantford Police Service has temporarily modified some non-emergency services to help minimize the threat possibility of transmission of the virus. All emergency services remain in place.
Please refrain from attending the BPS facility on Elgin Street unless facing an emergency situation. All citizens who require non-emergency services such as record checks, criminal background checks or general information are asked to do so by utilizing our online reporting system at www.brantfordpolice.ca or by calling the station at 519-756-0113. In an emergency, always dial 911.
Modifications to non-emergency services include:
- In-person record check applications and freedom-of-information requests will not be accepted in person. Please visit www.brantfordpolice.ca to submit requests online.
- Non-emergency crimes, such as thefts from vehicles, fraud and property damage under $5,000, can be reported online at www.brantfordpolice.ca
- Additional screening questions related to COVID-19 will be asked of callers before an officer is dispatched. Officers may be wearing protective equipment such as gloves and masks.
- Do not call 911 or visit the station if you have COIVD-19-related questions — 911 is for critical situations and emergencies only. For any COVID-19-related questions, please call 519-759-4150 or email covidviolations@brantford.ca or the Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 or covid19@bchu.org
Reporting COVID-19 Violations:
- COVID related violations can be reported by emailing covidviolations@brantford.ca or calling 519-759-4150
It is important that members of the public refrain from visiting the station unless facing an emergency. If you must attend the station, please self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms at home and refrain from visiting in person if you have any signs of illness. We appreciate the public’s cooperation with this request in an effort to ensure the protection and peace of mind for our staff who continue to serve our community.
Brantford Police Service is dedicated to ensuring public safety and would like to thank our officers and members who have been working diligently to protect our community during these unprecedented times.
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
NYE Gathering Results in ROA Charge
Incident # 21-00008
At approximately 1:20 a.m. on January 1, 2021, officers with the Brantford Police Service received a report of an illegal social gathering involving attendees from more than one household. Officers attended, and have charged a 30-year-old female from Brantford, with Fail to Comply under the Reopening Ontario Act.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Brantford Police Service would like to remind the public that under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, businesses or organizations must ensure that masks or face coverings are worn by any person (including members of the public and workers) in the indoor area of the business or organization, with limited exceptions.
Under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders, gatherings of persons from outside the same household are not permitted. Each attendee / organizer can be fined in accordance with the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act.
Individuals violating the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act are subject to a set fine of $880. Individuals planning or organizing gatherings with persons outside their immediate household are subject to a fine of $10,000.
Members of the public are reminded of the need to comply with COVID-19 safety measures including physical distancing, hand cleaning, and the proper wearing of facial / mouth coverings.
To report a violation of COVID-19 provincial or municipal orders in Brantford, please visit Brantford.ca to access the online form or call the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150.
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
Public reminded to celebrate responsibly and comply with COVID-19 restrictions this New Year's Eve
With the current increase of cases of COVID-19 within Brantford and across Ontario, numerous restrictions have been implemented to limit the spread of the virus.
Effective Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. a province-wide shutdown was initiated for all of Ontario.
In addition to the Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere Program (RIDE) the Brantford Police Service is working collaboratively with our municipal partners in by-law enforcement and the Brant County Health Unit to ensure the safety of our community in regards to COVID-19 Emergency Order infractions.
Under the COVID-19 Emergency Orders, no indoor organized public events or social gatherings of persons from outside the same household are permitted (with some specific exemptions):
- Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.
- Limit of 10 individuals for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings (must comply with public health advice on social distancing)
- Weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies where physical distance can be maintained have a limit of 10 people indoors or outdoors
Each attendee / organizer can be fined in accordance with the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act.
- Individuals violating the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act are subject to a set fine of $880.
- Individuals planning or organizing gatherings with persons outside their immediate household are subject to a set fine of $10,000.
Members of the public are reminded of the need to comply with COVID-19 safety measures including physical distancing, hand cleaning, and the proper wearing of facial / mouth coverings.
For more information from the Province of Ontario on the COVID- 19 Grey Zone – Shutdown protocols click here: MOH - Ontario Wide Shutdown 2020-12-21 V2b
Reporting COVID-19 Violations:
COVID-19 related violations can be reported by emailing covidviolations@brantford.ca or calling the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150
Do not call 911 or visit the station if you have COIVD-19-related questions — 911 is for critical situations and emergencies only.
For any COVID-19-related questions, please call 519-759-4150 or email covidviolations@brantford.ca or the Brant County Health Unit at 519-753-4937 or covid19@bchu.org
MALE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, MISCHIEF AND CONTRAVENTIONS UNDER THE REOPENING ONTARIO ACT
Incident #
20-49779, 20-49744
At approximately 9:50 a.m. on December 23, 2020
officers with the Brantford Police Service received a report of an
individual within a retail location located at Henry Street and Wayne Gretzky
Parkway who assaulted a store employee after being asked to wear a face
covering.
When reminded that wearing a face covering within the retail location is mandatory under the Reopening Ontario Act, the accused male physically assaulted the store employee and then fled.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 23, 2020, officers with the Brantford Police Service received an additional report of an individual within a retail location on Lynden Road who assaulted a store employee after being asked to wear a face covering.
The accused male became confrontational and belligerent towards the store employee after being asked to wear a face covering. Upon being asked to leave the store, the accused threw merchandise at the store associate.
Officers confirmed the same male was responsible for both incidents.
As a result of the investigation, a 25 year old male from Brantford, stands charged with the following:
When reminded that wearing a face covering within the retail location is mandatory under the Reopening Ontario Act, the accused male physically assaulted the store employee and then fled.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on December 23, 2020, officers with the Brantford Police Service received an additional report of an individual within a retail location on Lynden Road who assaulted a store employee after being asked to wear a face covering.
The accused male became confrontational and belligerent towards the store employee after being asked to wear a face covering. Upon being asked to leave the store, the accused threw merchandise at the store associate.
Officers confirmed the same male was responsible for both incidents.
As a result of the investigation, a 25 year old male from Brantford, stands charged with the following:
- Assault X 2 under the Criminal Code
- Mischief under $5,000 under the Criminal Code and,
- Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order under the Reopening Ontario Act
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Brantford Police Service
would like to remind the public that under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible
Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, businesses or organizations must ensure
that masks or face coverings are worn by any person (including members of the
public and workers) in the indoor area of the business or organization, with
limited exceptions.
To report a violation of COVID-19 provincial or municipal orders in Brantford, please visit Brantford.ca to access the online form or call the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150.
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
