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Statement by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police
on
Ontario’s New Enforcement Measures Regarding the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders
Ontario’s police leaders know that Ontarians expect their police officers and all police personnel to continue to play an important role in combatting the challenges posed by COVID-19. The current third wave of the pandemic poses an extraordinary threat to public health and police officers will do their part in enforcing the stay-at-home orders designed to keep Ontarians safe.
Under the new enforcement measures introduced today, police officers will have the authority to ask anyone outside their residence to provide their address and indicate their purpose for being outside their residence. This includes stopping vehicles and pedestrians to make these inquiries. If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the individual is in violation of any of the Emergency Orders, the person will be required to identify themselves in order to facilitate the issuance of a ticket, with a fine of approximately $750. If the person refuses to identify themselves, they could be arrested and charged with a criminal offence.
Our police officers will use their discretion in using such measures. As we review the new authorities provided today by the Government of Ontario and communicate these authorities to our police officers, Ontario police services remain committed to ensuring their police officers and personnel work in a transparent and accountable manner whenever they interact with Ontarians during these trying times.
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