The Belleville Police Service is actively monitoring the reports of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and considering how COVID-19 will affect our community and organization. In collaboration with the Municipality and Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health we are working to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our main focus is the health, safety, and well-being of our community and staff.
The following information is intended to update the public on the Belleville Police Service’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
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We have been in regular communication with, and taken guidance from, the City of Belleville and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. To date, this has included monitoring the situation and providing updates and guidance to our members. We are also taking other precautions limiting non-essential meetings, events and training. There have been no service disruptions.
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Based on up to date information, we have decided to temporarily modify some non-emergency services, effective Monday March 16, 2020. These measures are aimed at protecting all by minimizing the possibility of human to human transmission of the virus. All emergency services remain in place.
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We are asking members of the community to restrict attending the Belleville Police Headquarters unless absolutely necessary. We will not be accepting in-person record check applications. The record check applications will still be accepted on-line at www.police.belleville.on.ca
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Effective Monday March 16, 2020, the doors of the Belleville Police Service will be closed to the public. Staff will be on scene to screen members of the public between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. before access will be permitted; once you answer brief non-intrusive screening questions related to the COVID-19 health risks. Please understand this is for the protection and peace of mind of our staff who will be serving you and other members of the public. Please do not attend police facilities if you are not well. The police service public access will be continued to be closed outside of regular business hours.
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If you telephone the police requesting an officer attend for a non-emergent event, you may be asked additional screening questions related to the COVID-19 health risks before we dispatch an officer. Again, this is for the protection and peace of mind of our members and the public.
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You may see members of our service wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks for their own protection.
Police emergency services are fully functional. The situation is fluid and dynamic, as the information from health authorities’ changes, so to will our approach.
As these situations may cause stress and anxiety, I want to personally guarantee our community that the Belleville Police Service and its members are doing everything they can to help mitigate the situation. I want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding.
I want to thank the members of the Belleville Police Service for their professionalism and dedication to their peers and to their community.
Please monitor closely the below sites for up to date information:
Government of Canada
The Federal government’s webpage provides general information about COVID-19, travel advice, tips to stay safe. · https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Ontario Ministry of Health
Every weekday at 10:30 am, the Province of Ontario’s novel coronavirus web page is updated with the most up-to–date information, including the status of cases in Ontario. · https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
HPE Public Health maintains a webpage with current information. Follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. · https://hpepublichealth.ca/the-novel-coronavirus-2019ncov/
Respectfully,
A/Chief Mike T. Callaghan
(Belleville Police Service Press Release)
