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 reminded to celebrate responsibly and comply with COVID-19 restrictions this New Year's Eve
- 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
- 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.
Reporting COVID-19 Violations:
MALE CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, MISCHIEF AND CONTRAVENTIONS UNDER THE REOPENING ONTARIO ACT
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
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”
UPDATE - BPS Charge Three Suspects in Hotel Shooting
Incident # 20-43759
Members of the Brantford Police Major Crime Unit have charged three men in relation to a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7, 2020.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on November 7, 2020, police responded to a report of shots fired at the Comfort Inn on King George Road. Upon arrival, police learned that four male suspects arrived at the hotel in a vehicle and subsequently fired multiple shots into a ground level room. The suspects fled the scene in a silver 4-door vehicle.
No one was injured in the shooting, and police believe it to be a targeted event.
Early in the investigation, links were investigated between this incident and the shooting of four victims later that same day on Stong Court in the Jane St. and Finch Ave. area of Toronto, which tragically claimed the life of a 12 year old boy. Evidence gathered through police investigation does connect the accused parties to be involved in both shooting incidents. BPS Major Crime Unit would like to thank members of the Toronto Police Guns and Gangs Unit and Toronto Police Homicide Unit for their assistance with this investigation.
As a result of police investigation, Jahwayne Genisis SMART, 25, of Toronto, stands charged with:
- Attempt to Commit Murder X 2
- Discharging Firearm with Intent to Wound X 2
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Possession Firearm Contrary to Order
- Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
- Theft under $5000
As a result of police investigation, Rashawn CHAMBERS, 24, of Brantford, stands charged with:
- Attempt to Commit Murder X 2
- Discharging Firearm with Intent to Wound X 2
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Possession Firearm Contrary to Order
- Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
- Theft under $5000
As a result of police investigation, Cjay William HOBBS, 27, of Toronto, stands charged with:
- Attempt to Commit Murder X 2
- Discharging Firearm with Intent to Wound X 2
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Possession Firearm Contrary to Order
- Occupy Motor Vehicle with Firearm
- Theft under $5000
This investigation remains ongoing. Officers with the Brantford Police Service seek one additional suspect in relation to this incident.
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Detective Jeff Cotter at 519-756-7050 ext 2271. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively a web tip can be submitted at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
November 11, 2020
Members of the Brantford Police Major Crime Unit and Street Crime Unit continue to investigate a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7th 2020.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., police responded to a report of shots fired at the Comfort Inn on King George Road. Upon arrival, police learned that four male suspects arrived at the hotel in a vehicle and subsequently fired multiple shots into a ground level room. The suspects fled the scene in a silver 4 door vehicle, travelling northbound on King George Road.
No one was injured in the shooting and police believe it to be a targeted event.
Police are asking anyone who may have been in the King George Road area around the time of the incident and may have observed the vehicle or have dash camera video to contact them.
Brantford Police are working alongside the Toronto Police to investigate any possible links between this shooting and the shooting of four victims later that same day on Stong Court in the Jane St. and Finch Ave. area of Toronto that has tragically left a 12 year old boy fighting for his life. Two arrests have been made in that case, and three loaded firearms recovered.
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Detective Jeff Cotter at 519-756-7050 ext 2271. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively a web tip can be submitted at https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251

Joint Investigation Recovers Gretzky Memorabilia
TWO ARRESTED AND OVER $500,000 USD IN STOLEN GRETZKY MEMORABILIA RECOVERED IN JOINT INVESTIGATION
- A 58 year-old-male from Oakville is charged with Theft Over $5,000 and Possession Over $5,000
- A 58 year-old female from Brockville is charged with Fraud Over $5,000 and Breach of Trust
QUOTES
- Chief Rob Davis, Brantford Police Service
- Commissioner Thomas Carrique, Ontario Provincial Police
- Glen Gretzky, Representative of the Gretzky Family
Attached Photos of Recovered Items:
- 1983-84 NHL Player of the Year
- Eastern NHL Jersey – Front
- Eastern NHL Jersey – Back
- Gloves #1
- Gloves #2
- LA Kings Jersey – Back
- LA Kings Jersey – Front
- Sticks
- Compilation Photo – various items








Crime Brief
- 21.5 grams (approx.) of suspected Fentanyl, which has an approximate street value of $5,375
- 2 grams (approx.) of suspected Methamphetamine, which has an approximate street value of $300
- Drug paraphernalia
- POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING- Contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act x 2
- DANGEROUS OPERATION – Contrary to the Criminal Code
- DRIVE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION – Contrary to the Highway Traffic Act
- Assault Police x2
- Cause Disturbance by being drunk
- DANGEROUS OPERATION - Under the Criminal Code
- FAIL TO REMAIN- Under the Criminal Code
- POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE- Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- DRIVE WHILE UNDER SUSPENSION – Under the Highway Traffic Act
- USE PLATES NOT AUTHORIZED – Under the Highway Traffic Act
- FAIL TO APPLY FOR PERMIT ON BECOMING OWNER – Under the Highway Traffic Act
- OPERATE A MOTOR VHICLE WITHOUT INSURANCE- Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act
Male Arrested for Break and Enter
- Break and Enter and Commit
- Breach Probation
- Theft Under $5000.00
- Mischief over $5000.00
- Break and Enter and Commit
- Break and Enter with Intent x 2
- Mischief Under $5,000
- Breach of Probation Order
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Stolen Goods under $5000
- Breach of Probation Order
- Attempt Break and Enter with Intent
- Possession of Break-in Instruments
- Failure to Comply with Probation Order
- Male
- Thin build
- Wearing a black hoodie with green interior to the hood, grey Under Armour brand hat, black face mask, blue latex gloves, dark coloured pants, and was carrying a large grey hiking bag



PUBLIC ADVISORY – HOLIDAY R.I.D.E. CAMPAIGN
Penalties for Impaired Driving
- Licence Suspension (3 days to lifetime)
- Vehicle Impoundment (7 days)
- Financial Penalties Payable ($250 to $550)
- Licence Reinstatement Fee ($281)
- An ignition interlock device may be required (6 months to 10 years)
- Attendance of mandatory education or treatment program(s)
- A mandatory medical evaluation to determine whether you meet the requirements for driving in Ontario
Don’t Do It - Avoid Driving Impaired
- Have a plan to get home safely. Have a designated driver, use public transit, call a friend or family member for a ride, call a taxi or ride share, or stay overnight.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects related to driving when using prescription medication.
- Read the information on the package of any prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicine, including allergy and cold remedies.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about how a prescription drug could affect you. Remember that combining drugs and alcohol together can impair your ability to drive more than using either one alone.
Police Seek Witnesses of Motor Vehicle Collision with Pedestrian
On Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at approximately 2:00 p.m. a motor vehicle collision occurred in the area of Clarence Street and Colborne Street in the City of Brantford. A pedestrian was crossing Clarence Street on the North side of Colborne Street towards the downtown area when he was struck by a vehicle travelling South on Clarence Street. Neither the vehicle or pedestrian remained on scene. The vehicle is described as an Acura 4 door sedan. After speaking to eye witnesses, police have reason to be concerned for the well being of the pedestrian.
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community”
MULTIPLE FIREARM CHARGES AND RECOVERED FIREARM
- A 51 year old man from Grey Street is facing 13 Criminal Code charges, including several firearm offences
- A 27 year old Pearl Street woman is charged with firearm offences
- A 33 year old Harris Avenue man was arrested on outstanding warrants
"Public Safety in Partnership with our Community"