West Grey Police Service

2017 Annual Report Table of Contents

Message from the Chair of the Police Services Board 2

Message from the 3

Mission and Vision Statements 4

About the West Grey Police Service 5

Organizational Chart 6

Operational Highlights 7

Statistical Highlights 8

Comparative Statistics 10

Personnel 14

Training 16

Community Events 17

2017 ANNUAL REPORT 1

Message from the Chair of the Police Services Board

As Chair of the West Grey Police Services Board I am pleased to present the 2017 Annual Report. This report outlines the achievements of our police service in 2017 and offers comparisons to previous years.

It is our commitment to ensure that West Grey is a safe community in which to live, work and visit and we are constantly looking to improve services to you, our community members.

We look forward to continued partnerships with our neighbouring services and agencies, providing efficient and effective proactive community policing in West Grey.

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Eccles, Chair, West Grey Police Services Board

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Message from the Chief of Police

I am pleased to present the 2017 Annual Report for the West Grey Police Service. This report serves as a summary of the past year regarding calls for service, reported crimes, and community involvement.

Our police service has worked hard to serve the residents of West Grey. Our members routinely seek out ways to help members of the community and address the root causes of crime and victimization. This has led to many valued partnerships being established with other community organizations in an attempt to provide a safe and secure environment to live in.

The West Grey Police Service will continue to address public safety concerns and other issues raised by members of our community as we work hard to provide a high level of service. We recognize that there is more to be done and look forward to working with and serving the residents of West Grey as community partners.

Sincerely,

Robert Martin Chief of Police West Grey Police Service

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Mission Statement

The West Grey Police Service will endeavour to create a safe environment in which to live, work and play.

Vision Statement

Members of the West Grey Police Service are committed to working with the citizens of the Municipality of West Grey to understand their policing needs, enforce laws, and develop proactive solutions that will improve the service we provide and continue to be one of the best Community Oriented Police Services in the Province of .

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About the West Grey Police Service

In the spring of 2000 the provincial government decided smaller municipalities should amalgamate. The townships of Bentinck, Glenelg and Normanby amalgamated first and the town of Durham joined them the following year. At the time of amalgamation Durham had its own police service and the OPP policed the three townships which included the village of Neustadt. Council for the newly formed municipality of West Grey decided the Durham Police Service was best suited to assume policing for a population expanded from 2,500 to 11,741. The renamed West Grey Police Service commenced policing the former township of Bentinck in 2001 and the former townships of Glenelg and Normanby in 2002. This required the hiring of fifteen new officers. The current staffing level (2017) consists of 18 full-time sworn officers, three part-time sworn officers, five auxiliary officers and one civilian staff member.

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Organizational Chart

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Operational Highlights

2017 saw the West Grey Police participate in Operation Northern Spotlight along with other Ontario police services in an effort to end human trafficking. Operation Northern Spotlight was able to ensure the safety of 6 people who had been working in the sex trade and were in exploitive situations, including 2 under the age of 16. Additionally, 12 people were charged with 21 offences including: Advertise another Person’s Sexual Services, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services, Keeping a Common Bawdy House, Procuring Material Benefit, Trafficking in Persons, Prohibited Weapon, Procuring a Person Under 18 Years of Age, and Receive a Material Benefit Under 18 Years of Age. During Operation Northern Spotlight, police meet with individuals suspected of being in exploitive situations. They were provided contacts and information for community-based support agencies and were offered both immediate and future police assistance to leave the exploitation. This effort was part of an international operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), RCMP and involved police services from Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia and the United Kingdom.

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Statistical Highlights

Enforcement Data

In 2017 the West Grey Police Service laid a total of 217 criminal charges. These criminal charges included:

13 Break and Enter 8 Theft 7 Mischief 33 Assault 15 Domestic Violence 19 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 4 Youth Criminal Justice Act

Motor Vehicle Collisions

In 2017 the West Grey Police Service investigated 354 motor vehicle collisions. A total of 64 people were injured as a result of these collisions. There were no fatalities as a result of motor vehicle collisions in 2017, down from 2 fatal collisions in 2016.

Stolen and Recovered Property

In 2017 the total value of reported stolen property was valued at $270,485.00. This total was up from 2016 which saw reported stolen property valued at $171,860.00. In 2017 police were able to recover a total of $166,641.00 in stolen property whereas in 2016 $51,657.00 in stolen property was recovered. Despite the increase in total value of property stolen, the percentage of recovered property increased to 63.5% in 2017 from 30% in 2016.

Top 10 Occurrences

Over the course of a year, the West Grey Police Service responds to a wide variety of different calls. In 2017 the top 10 most common occurrences were as follows:

Motor Vehicle Collisions Police Assistance Police Information Mental Health Traffic Complaints Thefts Break and Enters Alarms Property Related Animal Complaints

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2017 Provincial Offences Notices / Municipal By-Law

Act / Section Number of Offence Notices Highway Traffic Act – Speeding 558 Highway Traffic Act – Seatbelt 29 Highway Traffic Act – Other 382 Liquor Licence Act 24 Compulsory Automobile Insurance 93 Municipal By-Law 146 Other Provincial Act 43

Foot Patrols

In 2017 West Grey Police officers conducted 591 hours of foot patrol in our municipality.

Trends

As the Municipality of West Grey changes and grows, we start to recognize various trends in the community, policing is no different. The year 2017 saw our clearance rate of property crimes increase to 30.1% from 25.6% in 2016. Property crimes, including reports of residential Break and Enters, which saw a decrease of 16% from 2016. Clearance rates for violent crimes improved to 98.3% from 88.2% the previous year. The West Grey Police Service also experienced an increase of 252% in calls for service related to mental health from the previous year.

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Comparative Statistics – Calls for Service

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Motor Vehicle Accidents

Property Damage Only 244 244 265 207 262 309 Personal Injury Accidents 44 36 45 35 39 45

Persons Injured 70 52 65 49 54 64 Fatal Accidents 1 3 1 0 2 0 Persons Killed 1 3 1 0 3 0 Other Incidents

911 Hang Up 166 138 106 73 71 57 Abduction 0 0 0 0 0 0

Airplane Crash 0 0 0 1 1 0 Alarm 81 82 85 90 87 85 Animal Complaint 68 136 88 111 116 76 Arson 2 2 1 0 0 2 Assault 47 35 42 37 37 32 Attempt Murder 0 0 1 0 0 0 Attempt Suicide 18 17 20 29 30 25 Bail Violations 11 15 17 25 26 16 B & E - Residence 20 16 53 106 102 85 B & E - Business 17 14 17 3 3 0 B & E - Other 36 6 0 0 0 0 Breach Probation 10 5 5 12 11 11 Counterfeit 0 0 2 0 0 1 Court Order 10 4 4 4 4 2 Dangerous Condition 24 22 21 21 21 16 Disturb the Peace 13 12 11 9 9 10 Domestic Dispute 18 34 52 57 58 55 Drug Offences 27 21 25 27 26 20 Escape Custody 0 0 0 0 0 0 Prisoner Escorts 42 31 32 62 59 57

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2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Family Dispute 29 33 38 44 45 39 Fire 13 11 8 23 22 27 Fraud 23 31 27 35 34 33 Gaming and Betting 0 0 0 0 0 0 Gang 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harassment 26 20 18 28 26 14 Homicide 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hostage Taking 1 0 0 0 0 0 Hydro Wires Down 1 0 4 2 2 0 Impaired/Over 80 mgs 18 42 17 23 22 22 Indecent Acts 1 3 1 2 1 2 Insecure Premises 9 12 23 16 16 7 Kidnapping 0 0 0 0 0 0 Landlord/Tenant Dispute 16 26 26 32 29 31 Liquor Licence Act 26 23 22 9 9 23 Mental Health Act 14 35 18 41 38 134 Mischief 103 70 70 59 53 50 Missing Persons 0 2 3 4 4 0 Missing Persons Locate 24 24 18 24 23 28 Municipal By-Laws 28 31 53 25 28 26 Motor Vehicle - Abandoned 7 8 11 13 18 13 Motor Vehicle - Recovered 5 2 5 9 8 10 Neighbour Dispute 28 46 27 35 34 36 Noise Complaints 41 58 53 59 61 62 Non Police Matter 9 13 22 38 36 84 Non-Traffic Accident 3 0 0 0 0 3 Obstruct Police 3 0 0 2 2 0 Other Criminal Code 7 5 5 17 16 9 Other Federal Statute 1 0 0 1 1 1 Other Provincial Statute 46 53 15 8 7 2 Persons Reporting In 0 2 17 17 17 16 Phone Calls 21 21 19 15 16 32

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2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Police Assistance 272 369 408 253 255 273 Police Information 118 166 164 248 235 254 Police Pursuits 1 2 2 2 1 1 Possession Stolen Property 2 1 1 7 6 5 Prevent Breach of Peace 18 22 29 31 28 35 Property Checks 12 10 3 2 2 6 Property Damage 2 3 11 14 14 8 Prostitution 0 0 0 0 0 0 Property Related 90 83 99 97 94 78 R.I.D.E. Checks Conducted 71 97 87 73 65 94 Robbery 2 0 0 0 0 1 Routine Traffic Stop 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sexual Assault 13 7 8 12 13 8 Shoplifting 3 1 1 4 4 0 Stolen Vehicle 13 11 20 23 21 11 Strikes 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sudden Death 14 16 12 14 13 17 Suspicious Person 43 62 75 89 85 82 Suspicious Vehicle 39 44 32 77 71 51 Thefts 173 62 117 123 120 119 Threats 19 18 37 20 20 25 Towed Vehicles 1 2 3 2 5 2 Traffic Complaint 180 170 350 209 205 222 Traffic Control 4 31 35 5 4 3 Traffic Enforcement HTA 39 21 60 18 20 51 Traffic Enforcement Other 10 0 10 0 0 0 ADLS Suspensions 0 1 1 0 0 0 Traffic Hazard 8 10 18 12 12 16 Trespass By Night 10 9 19 1 1 1 Trespass To Property Act 29 35 64 26 27 27 Trouble With Youth 40 29 69 18 19 18 Unwanted Person 36 18 54 42 43 54

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2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Warrants Executed 27 2 29 46 43 31 Weapons 4 17 21 10 9 8

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Personnel

Retirements

In 2017 Sgt. Jeff Beselaere retired after 30 years of policing. Sgt. Beselaere spent 15 years with the West Grey Police Service as a patrol Sergeant and a Detective Sergeant. Sgt. Beselaere came to the West Grey Police Service from the Chatham – Kent Police Service after working for the Wallaceburg Police Service prior to amalgamation.

Sgt. Beselaere was a valued member of the West Grey Police Service who provided immeasurable contributions to the service and the community over his career. We wish Sgt. Beselaere the best of luck in retirement.

Awards

Congratulations to Auxiliary Sergeant Parsons who was recognized at the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for her 10 years of Volunteer Service with the West Grey Police Service.

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New Members

In 2017 Constable Ian Sanderson returned to the West Grey Police Service as an experienced officer. He previously served as a with WGPS before working with the Hanover Police Service for 13 years. Cst. Sanderson is assigned to the uniform division and is a member of the training unit.

Marino Romito came to the West Grey Police Service as a part-time Constable in 2017 after serving 15 years with the .

Constable David Van Allen joined the West Grey Police Service in 2017 as a part-time Constable after a 32 year career with the . Cst. Van Allen recently served as an inspector for the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and served in the Royal Canadian Navy prior to his policing career.

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Training

In 2017 all the members of the West Grey Police Service were trained in the Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR). R2MR is a mental health training program originally developed by the Department of National Defence. R2MR is aimed at: • Improving short-term performance and long-term mental health outcomes. • Reducing barriers to care and encouraging early access to care. • Providing the tools and resources required to manage and support employees who may be experiencing a mental illness. • Assisting supervisors in maintaining their own mental health as well as promoting positive mental health in their employees.

The West Grey Police were honoured to have Beth Millard and Jennifer Thompson of the facilitate the course for our members.

The West Grey Police training unit provided annual training for sworn members. Over the course of 4 days, officers received training and updates on a number of topics. This included case law and court preparation training from the local Crown Attorney’s Office and updates from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of Transportation. Officers also received up to date CPR and First Aid training along with Use of Force and Defensive tactics training. Officers also conducted firearm requalifications, in which officers must meet the provincial standard on both pistol and long gun. Officers were also qualified in the use of the Conducted Energy Weapon (TASER), and received training in immediate rapid deployment and containment.

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Community Events

Every year, members of the West Grey Police Service organize, host, and participate in a variety of events and programs. These events provide an opportunity to connect with our community, provide support, and contribute to our community partners and non-profit organizations in an effort to build a stronger West Grey.

Some highlights from 2017 included involvement in the Touch-A-Truck event, where children and their families were encouraged to see emergency vehicles up close, explore inside, learn about what they do and about the jobs of the people that drive them.

The West Grey Police Service also puts on an annual Food and Toy Drive. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community around the holiday season, providing toys for children in need and food for less fortunate families. Near the holiday season, the West Grey Police Service also participates in Christmas in the Country. This interactive Christmas event provides an opportunity for children and families to enjoy Christmas light displays, meet Santa, visit the pioneer village, ride on a horse-drawn wagon, and so much more.

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In 2017 the West Grey Police raised money for Special Olympics Ontario, participating in the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Proceeds of these events make Special Olympics games possible by providing funding for athletes to compete in their sport and to gain friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Polar Plunge is a winter fundraising event where participants have the “honour” of jumping into icy water. The “plungers” were able to secure donations from friends, family members, co- workers, and local businesses. The event raised just over $5000 resulting in the West Grey Police Service receiving an award for the Second Highest Growth in Revenue Raised for Special Olympics Ontario. A special thanks to all the Staff at St. Peter’s St. Paul’s School for hosting the event and to the West Grey Fire Department for their continuous partnership that makes our events possible.

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The West Grey Police Service also proudly participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) in which law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. All funds raised through Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympic Ontario (SOO) programs.

The West Grey Police also participated in the Colleen Lantz Run 4 Youth in Neustadt which helps to raise money for various youth charities in the area. WGPS also proudly participated in Canada Day festivities marking 150 years of Canada, this included the Canada Day parade and RIDE programs to help ensure everyone was able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

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West Grey Police Service 153 George Street West Durham, Ontario N0G 1R0

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