Detachment Commander Krista Miller introduced Operations Manager Ryan Olmstead who came from Lambton County. Detachment Commander Miller presented the 2020 South Bruce Year-End Report reviewing crime statistics, traffic statistics, call for service, and detachment updates.
She noted that violent crime has decreased by 8.7%, property crime increased by 22.8%, drug crime increased by 100%, and violent crime has decreased by 6.9%. Motor Vehicle collisions have decreased by 28% which can be contributed to the pandemic and residents staying home. In June South Bruce OPP partnered with the OPP Highway Safety Division and the Ministry of Transportation to conduct a Commercial Motor Vehicle blitz.
Detachment Commander Miller explained that 48 calls for service were made for the marine update she explained that Kayaks and Paddle Boards are considered Vessels under the Canada Shipping Act and therefore have equipment requirements including life jackets and whistles. Total calls for service was 856 with the Top 10 calls being for Suspicious Person, Motor Vehicle Collision, Suspicious Vehicle, Break & Enter, Domestic Disturbance, Fraud, Mischief, Mental Health, False Alarms, and Noise complaints/Animal complaints.
A good news story for 2020 is that a new OPP policy was implemented to divert misdials and pocket dials where possible away from the frontline. In 2020, 26, "911" misdials dispatched to officers policing the Township of Huron-Kinloss 154 officer hours saved. A warrant conducted in Ripley in May resulted in the seizure of almost $75,000.00 worth of drugs.
In March 2020, the COVID 19 changed the world and Miller noted that for policing it was no different. SHe explained that the South Bruce OPP is fully equipped with Personal Protective Equipment and has implemented procedures both in and outside of the workplace to ensure the safety of officers and the public. The OPP has worked closely with the Township of Huron-Kinloss MECG attending weekly meetings and working through mutual challenges.
Miller noted that the approach to the enforcement of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Re-Opening of Ontario Act is very measured and officers conduct a lot of education on the restrictions. Most people are compliant with the first ticket issued under the Act last week.
Councillor Hanna, questioned the possession of the stolen property as the community tends not to lock things, questioned if there are some measures the public can take to protect this property from being re-sold for example added identification.
Miller indicated that if leaving anything of value for an extended time locking them is the best procedure. Theives are looking for items that they can take and can get rid of quickly. She explained that all motor vehicles stolen in Huron-Kinloss had the keys left inside. Another suggestion is that Farm and Business owners can install security systems, that can be a piece of evidence to help solve the crime.
Operations Manager Olmstead suggested that residents can take a picture and write down the serial numbers of their property. Crime is multi-jurisdictional and if your items are found elsewhere by having this information the police can use that evidence to connect to the person responsible for the theft.
Councillor McGugan questioned concern about the fraud charges from the Amazon scam. Miller explained that the OPP believe it was a data breach through a club where the children's names and credit card numbers were on a list and used.
Councillor Abbott noted an ongoing concern with youth congregating at basketball courts in Lucknow. In the summertime, youth gather with underage alcohol use and noise disturbances. Neighbours have complained and called the OPP with the understanding that the OPP can't be everywhere and questioned if the use of security cameras is an appropriate deterrent to identify the persons? , Miller supported the use of cameras however explained that if the neighbours call they will respond, and if the same location is reported multiple times they could add that location to proactively respond.
Deputy Mayor Murray questioned if there is a breakdown in motor vehicle accidents including ATVs and snowmobiles. Miller noted she can get that breakdown yet doesn't believe there were any ATV or snowmobile accidents in Huron-Kinloss. Murray noted that he was pleased with the drug raid in Ripley and is thankful to get the drugs off the streets.
Council as a whole thanked Miller and Olmstead for attending the meeting and for what they do for the community.