Serving Barrie

Barrie Crime Map

admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:57:09 -0600

Please Read Before Proceeding:

Welcome to the Barrie Police crime mapping tool. This is part of our on going endeavour to share information on community safety and security with our citizens. This interactive map will allow citizens the courtesy of viewing crimes reported for selected categories. The user will be able to choose from a variety of crimes, have them plotted on the map and be able to view some details on each occurrence.

Glossary of Terms:

Robbery:: The act of taking property from another person or business by the use of force or intimidation in the presence of the victim.
Break and Enter Residential:: The act of entering a residence with the intent to commit an indictable offence therein.
Break and Enter Other:: The act of entering a place, other than a residence, with the intent to commit an indictable offence therein.
Recovered Vehicle:: A vehicle that has been located after it has been previously reported stolen.
Stolen Vehicle:: The act of stealing another person's vehicle, or taking another person's vehicle without consent.
Theft:: The act of stealing property (excluding vehicles).
Theft from Vehicle:: The act of stealing property from on or inside a vehicle. This could include entering the vehicle with or without damage to it.

Instructions:

To perform a search, select the Search Tab.
Enter search criteria into the Search Form.
Select the Search button to view results.

The Barrie Police Service cautions against using this data to make decisions, or comparisons, regarding the safety or crime levels for an area.

The icons representative of each crime category that are placed on the map while using this tool are not placed on the specific address of that crime but only in the general vicinity of that crime.

Please read the following disclaimer.

Disclaimer

The Barrie Police Service does not make any warranty, representation or guarantee as to the content, accuracy or completeness of any of the map data. All aspects of the data provided herein are susceptible to a degree of error due to the complexities of the process involved in compiling, geocoding and mapping the data. The data provided on this site represent only the reported crimes that contain a geographic reference and associated geographic coordinates.

All materials contained on this site are distributed and transmitted AS IS without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied including without limitation, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall the Barrie Police Service. "CrimeMaps.ca" or MDSP Consulting Services become liable to users of this data for any loss or damages arising from the use, operation or modification of the data. The visual representation of data is being provided strictly as a courtesy, and not as an obligation.

The mapping site should never be used to attempt to reconstruct Uniform Crime Reporting statistics, other official numbers or to correlate events to a specific location.

Parks Ambassador Program

admin — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:29:01 -0700

The Park Ambassadors Program is a partnership between the Barrie Police Service, Barrie By-Law and Barrie Parks and Recreation. The program is designed to provide an opportunity for willing individuals of the community a chance to monitor parks and trails for damages, graffiti and other public disturbances. They then will report these incidents to the Barrie Police Service, Municipal By-Law, Parks Operations or other appropriate services. This initiative is designed to be rewarding to its participants in a way that allows them to feel they are "looking after" their "backyards." The program will develop close working relationships with the above stakeholders in order to quickly repair any damages to the parks or deal with criminal activity.

Park Ambassadors Involves:

A commitment to improving parks and trails in your community
Co-operating with various organizations to quickly and effectively repair any damage and report any criminal activity

Duties of the Park Ambassador:

Serve as goodwill ambassadors for the City.
Provide valuable information to local friends and neighbours about City services, programs and events.
Walk through their neighbourhood public spaces wearing a distinctive 'Park Ambassador shirt.
Offer help and give advice to other residents on how and who to contact in their local area.
Report by telephone, e-mail or fax any resident's concerns or their own concerns directly to the appropriate agency.
Ensure all inquires are followed up on.

Become a Park Ambassador

If you are interested in becoming a Parks Ambassador or want to learn more about the program please contact:

Contact:
PC Butler #5149
Crime Prevention Unit
Barrie Police Service
Phone Number: 725-7025 ext. 2926

Send all Applications to:
ATTENTION: Human Resources
29 Sperling Drive,
Barrie Ontario
L4M 6K9

Application Forms

Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE)

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:24:10 -0600

The Barrie Police Service has been given a Grant from the Provincial Government, Ministry of Public Safety and Corrections, to be part of the Provincial Strategy to combat Internet Child Exploitation. The funding from this grant assists the Barrie Police Service to utilize one Detective Constable for online investigations involving children and one Detective Constable for Computer Forensics. The ICE unit is run with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit (formally known as Project P)

The unit is responsible for investigating crimes against children over the internet; the offences may include but are not limited too:

Child pornography

Possessing
Distributing

Child Luring
Child Sexual Exploitation

If you are aware of a child at immediate risk of online sexual assault or exploitation, call 9-1-1 immediately or call the Barrie Police Service at 725-7025 for help.

If you find child pornography online or believe that a child is being targeted by an online predator, report the offence to www.Cybertip.ca.

If you want to report an incident involving child pornography or find child pornography that may be occurring in the City of Barrie and is not an immediate risk you can contact us by leaving an email at ICE@police.barriepolice.ca

If you would like tips on Child Internet safety as well as age appropriate material follow the useful links at www.cybertips.ca.

Neighbourhood Watch

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:10:55 -0700

Neighbourhood Watch provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur, through the active participation of citizens. Community members are taught how to make their homes less inviting for thieves, how to participate in Operation Identification, making their personal property less desirable to burglars, and how to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Very few people are in a position to protect their homes and property all of the time and the Neighbourhood Watch program can help to provide a sense of security for individuals or families who leave their homes for any length of time. The program also helps to co-ordinate the efforts of the police and the community in tracking down criminals.

Strong individual, community, and police involvement is what makes the program such a success because – together we can prevent crime!

For more information on how to start a Neighbourhood Watch program in your area contact:

PC Angela Butler #5149
Barrie Police Service

705-725-7025 ext.2926
or
E-mail: abutler@barriepolice.ca

Citizens on Patrol

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:51:24 -0700

Citizen's on Patrol (C.O.P.S.) is a community based volunteer group that helps to minimize the amount of crime occurring throughout our city. C.O.P.S. is an easy, effective, and interesting way to prevent crime throughout your neighborhoods. The program provides members with a sense of satisfaction while ensuring a valuable service to our community.

This is a great way to volunteer your time and be a positive member of your community. Duties involve patrolling streets, business areas, hotels and parks, as well as documenting suspicious activities. Being a proactive member of the community and assisting police is the number one duty of Citizens on Patrol, so join our team.

Become a Citizen on Patrol Team Member

This program is designed to provide an opportunity for approved individuals to participate in the observation and reporting of any criminal or potentially criminal activity to Barrie Police Service. These volunteers become the 'eyes and ears' for Barrie Police while on patrol.

This program does not promote, require or ask for any involvement of members in the apprehension of criminals. The purpose is solely to observe and report - to be the 'eyes and ears' for Barrie Police Service.

To become a volunteer for Citizen's on Patrol, please see the information package and application forms below.

Interested residents of Barrie can send applications to:

ATTENTION:
Human Resources
29 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6K9

Application Forms

2011 Spring Auction

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 11:36:26 -0600

Barrie Police 2011 Spring Auction

The Barrie Police Service 2011 Auction will be Saturday May 28th, at the rear parking lot of 60 Bell Farm Road. Viewing starts at 9:00am, Auction will commence at 10:00am.

An up to date list of items to be auctioned attached below. Will continue to be updated.

Links

admin — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:49:07 -0700

If you're group or agency with a website that might be of benifit to the residence of Barrie, please contact us and supply the necessary information for consideration.

Infant/Child Car Seat Info

admin — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:36:05 -0700

Booster Seats:

Effective September 1st, 2005 , it will be mandatory for anyone transporting children to make sure children are properly secured in either an infant seat, child seat, or booster seat. This applies to all caregivers, from babysitters to grandparents.

New Ontario law protects children and youth

Booster Seats Mandatory And PST Exempt As Of September 1, 2005 QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Aug. 11 /CNW/

The Ontario government is protecting the province's children by making child car seats and booster seats law for all drivers traveling with young children, Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar said today. "We know child car seats and booster seats save lives. In fact they can reduce the risk of death or injury by as much as 75 per cent," said Takhar. "That's why having kids properly secured is no longer an option. It's the law." A new law goes into effect September 1st, making it mandatory for anyone transporting children to make sure children are properly secured in either an infant seat, child seat, or booster seat.

This would apply to all caregivers, from babysitters to grandparents. Rear-facing infant car seats are required for infants weighing 9kg (20 lbs) or less.

Forward-facing child car seats are required for children weighing between 9kg and 18 kg (20 to 40 lbs), children about one year of age.

Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing more than 18 kg but less than 36 kg (40-80 lbs) and who stands less than 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall.

A child can start using a seatbelt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:

child turns eight years old
child weighs 36 kg (80 lbs)
child is 145 cm (4 feet 9 inches) tall

As well, the government will no longer collect the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on booster seats, effective September 1, 2005. Child and infant seats are already PST-exempt. "Properly restrained children, through the use of car and booster seats, reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury," said Gordon Jones, Acting Inspector of Toronto Police Service Traffic Services. "This new legislation requiring caregivers to use proper restraining devices will have a positive impact on the safety of our children." Parents and caregivers are encouraged to get more information about how to properly install child car seats or booster seats by attending a child car seat inspection clinic in their area. "We've seen far too many tragedies that could have been prevented had children been properly buckled up," said Dave Paradis, Manager, St. John Ambulance, York Region. "I'm hopeful that by making child car seats and booster seats mandatory, this will help save young lives."

Drivers who fail to use booster or child car seats, or who use them incorrectly, face two demerit points plus a $110 fine.

Quebec is the only other Canadian jurisdiction with a booster seat law. In the United States, 29 states plus Washington, D.C., require booster seats.

Source: Ministry of Transportation Ontario

For more Child/Infant Car seat information pleas click on the following links:

www.mto.gov.on.ca

For recall information, go to: www.tc.gc.ca

Victim Crisis Assistance

admin — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 14:08:52 -0700

Barrie and Area Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service

The Barrie and Area VCARS program is a non-profit, incorporated, community volunteer based program with charitable status. It has been in operation since January 1996.

The VCARS program provides emotional support, practical assistance, and referral and information for victims of crime or tragedy. With the consent of the victim, referral to VCARS is directly through police. Support is provided on-site, by trained volunteers, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to police referral in the areas for Barrie Police Service, South Simcoe Police. Midland Police Service, and the OPP Detachments for Barrie, New Tecumseth, Collingwood, Huronia West and Midland/Penetang.

The Barrie and Area VCARS program is funded by the Victim Justice Fund, administered by the Ministry of the Attorney General, and governed by a community based Board of Directors. All volunteers with the program complete a forty-hour mandatory training course prior to becoming accredited volunteers.

The benefits of a VCARS program include enabling police to proceed to other calls sooner, immediate crisis assistance to a victim of a crime or tragedy, an opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the legal justice system and to become involved in a caring capacity to others in a time of need.

For more information about the program, or to volunteer, please contact Marie McCallum, Executive Director, at (705) 725-7025 , ext. 2120.

Reporting Centre

admin — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:42:10 -0700

Please choose a link:

What's a Reporting Centre?
How does it work?
Must I report an incident immediately?
What about motor vehicle collisions?
Do all motor vehicle collisions have to be reported?
What should I do if I get involved in a collision in Barrie?
Why have a Reporting Centre?
Who are the employees of the Reporting Centre?
What can I expect if I attend the Reporting Centre?
May I contact the Reporting Centre directly for more Information?

What's a Reporting Centre?

Police organizations have reached the conclusion that partnerships with the private sector are a necessity. A Reporting Centre is staffed by individuals who obtain information on behalf of the insurance industry, and whose function is the streamlining of insurance claims.

In Barrie, the Reporting Centre is located within police headquarters, 29 Sperling Drive (Cundles Road West and St. Vincent Street area).

How does it work?

Members of the public who are involved in a motor vehicle collision, or experience a minor event where an insurance claim will be made, are asked to come to our police headquarters to complete the appropriate self-reporting form. Assistance is available at headquarters for that task. If the Reporting Centre is open at the time of the report, the claimant is asked to speak to the person in charge of the Centre. It is up to the claimant to agree to use the services of the Centre or to handle the insurance details in some other fashion. If the Centre is closed, the form will be forwarded to the Centre and the claimant will be contacted at a later date to offer assistance for the processing of the insurance claim.

Must I report an incident immediately?

In most cases, claimants are advised to attend police headquarters when the Reporting Centre is open. However, claimants may attend at other times, in accordance with the situation. The hours of business are as follows:

Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

What about motor vehicle collisions?

The majority of claims handled by the Reporting Centre involve motor vehicle collisions. The Barrie Police Service is no longer investigating such collisions, except when there is injury or death, criminal activity (including alcohol), one or more of the vehicles are federally, provincially or municipally owned, one of the vehicles is transporting dangerous goods, or there is damage to private, municipal or highway property.

Police will attend to assist with traffic problems. In addition, police will investigate the collision when the circumstances are such that it would be a serious hardship to ask the claimants to attend police headquarters.

Arrangements have been made with towing companies to have the vehicle brought to police headquarters, whether it is immediately after the incident or some time later when the Reporting Centre is open. Vehicles involved in the collision are photographed, and claimants are provided with copies of all necessary documentation in connection with their claim.

Do all motor vehicle collisions have to be reported?

The Highway Traffic Act states that all motor vehicles collisions involving injury or death, where there is damage to highway property, and where the combined damage exceeds $1000.00, must be reported to the police.

What should I do if I get involved in a collision in Barrie?

Check to determine if the police must investigate the collision, as mentioned earlier.
If it is safe to do so, remove the vehicle from the roadway.
Exchange information with the other involved persons, including independent witnesses. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance and vehicle particulars.
As soon as possible, attend with your vehicle to the Reporting Centre.
Bring your documentation with you to the Reporting Centre, i.e. drivers license, ownership, and insurance.

Why have a Reporting Centre?

Reporting Centres are intended to provide a service to the public within the context of community policing. We are all familiar with the ?do more with less? theory. Police services are not immune to pressures facing everyone else. In order to free our resources to deal with emergency and serious incidents, it is necessary for the public to assist us by attending the Station and completing reports for minor incidents.

In most instances where an insurance claim is a factor, there are substantial delays in having such claims processed by the insurer. Reporting Centres, because of their affiliation with the insurance industry, have had considerable success in reducing the average number of days required in the preliminary handling of a claim. In addition, employees of Reporting Centres provide information and advice to claimants, and the digital photographs are helpful in settling claims without acrimonious arguments as to the extent of the damage.

Who are the employees of the Reporting Centre?

The Reporting Centre employs professional individuals who have received extensive training in their area of responsibility. The person responsible for the Centre is Michele McLinden, Manager.

What can I expect if I attend the Reporting Centre?

Employees of the Centre assist many citizens in completing reports, whether or not the claimants are interested in having the Centre process their claim. In other words, our citizens are assured of assistance from someone, be it a member of the Barrie Police Service or the Reporting Centre, when they attend police headquarters for self-reporting purposes.

May I contact the Reporting Centre directly for more Information?

Employees of Barrie Accident Support Services Ltd. will be pleased to answer your questions. You may contact them at 726-9225 or fax at 726-4628 during their regular business hours.

Or you may wish to contact the Reporting Centre by e-mail at barrie@accsupport.com

911 & Communications

admin — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:58:40 -0700

The Barrie Police Service responds to all 9-1-1 EMERGENCY calls which require police assistance within the City of Barrie.

911 is for EMERGENCY purposes only.

COMMUNICATIONS PERSONNEL

Our Communications Clerks are expected to handle a variety of unusual situations in a professional manner. They are provided with training, both in Barrie and at the Ontario Police College, to assist them with their task.

Many years ago, the Service opted to assign Communications Clerks to a platoon, so that they are part of a team. As such, they know the police officers who are their colleagues, and efficiency and effectiveness are enhanced in the process.

Whether it be a 9-1-1 emergency, a non-emergency situation requiring police assistance, or a self-reporting situation, our Communications Clerks will provide you with the information necessary to deal with the situation.

The City of Barrie Emergency Response Service

This 9-1-1 Emergency Service is available in the City of Barrie.

What is 9-1-1?

Seconds count in an emergency! When you have an emergency just dial 9-1-1. It is an easy telephone number to remember. When police, fire, or medical emergencies occur, 9-1-1 can help save precious time. Your call is answered by a trained emergency call taker who will provide you with the assistance you require. You can also dial 9-1-1 from your cellular phone. The call is toll free.

When to Call 9-1-1

9-1-1 is for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required: someone's health, safety or property is in jeopardy or a crime is in progress.

What Happens When You Dial 9-1-1

A call-taker will ask "do you need police, fire or ambulance?" and you will transferred to the agency you request
Stay on the line and follow instructions
Be prepared to answer questions about your location and the nature of your emergency.
Listen carefully, speak clearly and try to remain calm
Call-takers are trained to ask specific questions in a priority sequence, they relay information via computer to dispatchers and the emergency personnel on their way to help you
Requests for assistance are dispatched on a priority basis, with most serious calls dispatched first

Examples of when to call 9-1-1

An event that involves an immediate threat to person or property: screams, attacks, gunshots, fire, car accident with injuries or any other medical emergency
A substantive, in-progress crime. This includes fights, break and enters (if there is a suspect on scene) or a report of an impaired driver
A serious crime that has just occurred (e.g., sexual assault or robbery)
A suspicious circumstance that may indicate an immediate criminal act (e.g., prowler, vandal)

What You Should Know When Dialing 9-1-1

At home, you can dial 9-1-1 direct
At a business or other location, you may need to dial an outside line before dialing 9-1-1
At a pay phone, dial 9-1-1. This is a free call. When using a cellular phone be prepared to give the exact location of the emergency. This is also a free call.
For TTY access (Telephone Device for the Deaf) press the spacebar announcer key repeatedly until a response is received.

Home	Dial 9-1-1
Business	You may need to dial an outside line before dialing 9-1-1
Pay Phone	Dial 9-1-1 - No coin required
Cellular	Dial 9-1-1 - Give the exact location of the emergency, including city or town
T.T.Y.	Dial 9-1-1 - After dialling, press space bar intermittently until a response is received

What You Should Know About Cell Phones & 9-1-1

Wireline or landline 9-1-1 calls are accompanied by electronic data when they reach our call takers. This electronic data includes your telephone number and civic address. This means that if the connection is lost or the caller cannot speak, help can still be dispatched.
In the case of cellular calls, electronic data with location information is not automatically available to the call taker. It is up to the caller to describe the exact location of the emergency.
If you have a choice between using a wireline phone or a cell phone to call 9-1-1, the wireline should always be your first choice. The connection is more secure and the location data is available automatically.

Does Your Cellular Provider offer Enhanced Wireless Service?

The technology is now available in the 9-1-1 network today to provide the 9-1-1 call taker with the callback number of your cellular handset and the XY coordinates associated to that number with a 90% confidence factor and a metered distance range of that XY coordinate. This information is a useful tool to assist the 9-1-1 call taker in getting help to you more quickly. Even with this additional data, it is still up to the caller to describe the exact location of the emergency.

What You Should Know If You Only Have Cellular Service at Home

If you or someone you know has decided to give up their wired phone at home in favour of cellular only, we recommend the following precautions.

Always be aware of where you have placed your handset. You want it to be easily found (by yourself and/or visitors) at a moment's notice, at all hours of the day.
Always ensure your handset has a fully charged battery. You may feel safer leaving it powered on at all times, ready to dial at a moment's notice.
Understand that even though you are in your home, your home address is not displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker. Be prepared to provide this information verbally.
Ensure your carrier has current/accurate subscriber information on file.
Understand that some of the common problems with cellular calls do not go away just because you have dialed the digits 9-1-1. Voice transmissions can become distorted and/or interrupted just like any phone call you may place from your cell phone.

Do Not Pre-Program 9-1-1 into Your Phone's Speed Dial Function

Each day our 9-1-1 emergency call takers deal with a high percentage of false cellular 9-1-1 calls. On sets pre-programmed to dial 9-1-1, keys are often accidentally pressed, setting off unintentional 9-1-1 calls. Consumers unknowingly tie up 9-1-1 telephone lines, unnecessarily tying up the resources of emergency responders and causing a negative impact for true emergent calls for help.

Calling 9-1-1 via VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) allows you to make and receive phone calls using an Internet connection. Although such technology offers convenience, it also has some limitations. For instance, unlike a traditional landline telephone, when calling 9-1-1 using a VOIP connection:

VoIP third party operators may send a request for emergency service to the wrong 9-1-1 Centre or a non-emergency line causing potential delay in response,
if the caller is unable to speak, or if the call is disconnected, the operator may not have automatic location information to give to 9-1-1 Call-takers,
access to 9-1-1 service for VoIP customers may not be available during a power failure or if the internet connection is disrupted,
VoIP services do not have to enlist the use of a Language Line interpretation service as is currently used by the Barrie Police Service,
if the consumer moves and retains the VoIP service, they must ensure their address information is updated with their VoIP service provider

Consumers must be aware of these limitations when choosing VoIP service. Research any potential VoIP service provider you are considering contracting with to ensure you have all the facts about their service and their 9-1-1 capabilities and limitations.

What You Can Do To Help 9-1-1 Help You!

Remain calm and speak clearly.
Identify which emergency service you require (Police, Fire, or Ambulance) and be prepared to provide the following: what is happening what is the location what is your name, address, and telephone number.
Please remain on the line to provide additional information if requested to do so by the call taker.
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL THE CALL TAKER ADVISES YOU TO DO SO.
Remember, it is important to have your house numbers visible from the street. This will assist emergency responders in locating you as quickly as possible.

What to Teach Your Children about 9-1-1

Do your children know how to get help in an emergency?

Teach your children how and when to get help from 9-1-1
teach your children their address and telephone number as soon as they are able to learn
keep it posted by all phones in case they are unsure
tell your children to answer all of the emergency call takers' questions and stay on the phone until they are told to hang up
teach your children about the dangers of making prank 9-1-1 calls.

What Are The Dangers Of 9-1-1 Prank Calls?

Prank 9-1-1 calls waste time and money and can also be dangerous. If 9-1-1 lines or responders are busy with prank calls, someone with a real emergency might not get the help that they need.

Non-emergency Calls

When to Call Police Non-Emergency

The non-emergency Barrie Police Service number is 705 725-7025. Take a moment to write it down. Please do not call 9-1-1 for the non-emergency number. Use this number for non-emergency situations where an immediate response or dispatch of the police is NOT required.

Police	(705) 725-7025
Fire	(705) 728-3199
Ambulance	(705) 726-8103
O.P.P.	1-888-310-1122

Complaints

admin — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:25:15 -0700

Every citizen is entitled to fair and impartial service from the police. The Police Services Act, which governs what we do and how we do it, allows members of the public to file an official complaint against the service or policy of the police service or the conduct of police officers.
In the majority of instances, the concern is resolved by discussing the incident with a supervisor. Police work is complex, and the rules that apply are sometimes confusing for the public. Upon request, we will be pleased to discuss our actions, and the laws or procedures that apply, with anyone who believes that additional information is necessary.

What can I complain about?

The police have a code of conduct to follow that includes:

To act with honesty and integrity
To treat people with respect
Not to abuse the extraordinary powers and authority police officers are granted
To act in a manner that does not discredit or undermine public confidence in the police service.

Police organizations have rules that are called policy and service standards that guide how they operate. Complaints about policies and services of a police organization are screened by the OIPRD but are not investigated by the OIPRD. These complaints are sent to the appropriate police service for investigation, with oversight by the OIPRD.

Who can make a complaint?

A complainant is any member of the public who lodges a complaint about the policies or services of a police department or the conduct of a specific officer(s). You do not have to be a resident of Ontario to lodge a complaint.

You can make a complaint about a police officer if you:

Have a concern or were offended by something a police officer(s) said or did to you.
Where a witness to an incident involving a police officer(s) that concerned or offended you.
Are concerned or distressed as a result of the way a relative or friend has been treated by a police officer(s).
Are acting on behalf of an individual listed above, for example a member of an organization, who has been given written permission to make a complaint on another’s behalf.
Have a complaint that a police department has not provided proper service.
Have a complaint about a policy of a police department.

Some people are not allowed to file a complaint with the OIPRD. The following people cannot file a complaint with the OIPRD:

The Solicitor General (Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services)
An employee of the Office of the Independent Police Review Director
A member or employee of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission
A member or auxiliary (civilian) member of a police service cannot complain about their own service
An employee of the Ontario Provincial Police cannot complain about the OPP
A member or employee of a police services board cannot complain about their own service
A person selected by the council of a municipality to advise another municipality’s police services board cannot complain about that service
A delegate to an OPP community policing advisory committee cannot complain about the detachment they advise.

Who can be the proper subject of a public complaint?

Only police officers as defined in Section 2 of the Police Services Act are subject to the Independent Police Review Act
Section 2 sets out that a police officer includes a Chief of Police, or any other sworn police officer, but does not include a special constable, a First Nations constable, by-law enforcement officer or an auxiliary (civilian) member of a police force
Police cadets are not considered police officers, and are not subject to the Independent Police Review Act.

In instances where the explanations provided to a member of the public are not satisfactory, the formal complaint process may begin. The complainant will be asked to fill the appropriate form or submit a signed letter, which will be forwarded to the OIPRD (Office of the Independent Police Review Director).
All complaints will be recorded by the OIPRD, regardless of where they are submitted.

If you make your complaint against the police to the OIPRD, we are required to forward the details of your complaint to the appropriate authority.

In most cases this will be a professional standards department* or police authority of the relevant police department. If another police service is investigating the complaint, they will also receive your complaint information.

*Many police services have a professional standards department that is responsible for complaints
made against the service, officers and staff.

Consent to Proceed
The OIPRD needs your consent before we can look into your complaint. You will be asked to sign the complaint form indicating you have agreed to the complaints process. If you do not sign the complaint form, we are unable to record and proceed with your complaint.

How will you be kept informed?

Whether the OIPRD or the police are investigating your complaint, you have the right to periodic updates.
You will be told how your complaint will be dealt with, what action may be taken and how decisions will be made. The OIPRD will provide you with updates: by mail, e-mail or using our secure Internet page.

The OIPRD is responsible for recording and classifying all public complaints. They are also responsible for deciding who will investigate the complaint. Your complaint may be investigated by:

The OIPRD
The same police service the complaint is about, or
Another police service.

The majority of complaints will be investigated by the police, with oversight by the OIPRD.

Investigating a complaint

The OIPRD has a set of standards that will be followed when conducting an investigation into a public complaint. They have developed these standards to ensure that there is a consistent approach throughout Ontario.

Regardless of who investigates a complaint (the OIPRD or the police), the investigator will tell the complainant:

How the complaint will be investigated
What cooperation is required from the complainant
How a decision will be reached
What action will be taken at the end of the investigation.

During a police investigation, the OIRPD will receive the same information as the complainant. If the Director does not agree with the way the investigation is being handled, it is possible to direct the police to take certain action, or the OIPRD may take over the investigation.

OIPRD Reviews

If you have made a conduct complaint against the police and are not happy with the way it has been handled, you may be able to request a review by the OIPRD.

You have 30 days from the day you were notified, to request a review by the OIPRD if:

The Chief of Police has determined your complaint is unsubstantiated (there may not be enough evidence)
The Chief of Police has determined your complaint is not of a serious nature.

You may not appeal a classification or investigation by the OIPRD.

How can I request a review?

If you decide you would like to request an OIPRD review of your conduct complaint, you need to complete a Request for Review form.

You can get a copy of the form in a number of ways:

In the OIPRD brochure: How to Request a Review
Download a PDF of the Request for Review form
You can contact the OIPRD and ask us to send you a copy of the Request for Review form.
Please fill in the entire form and make sure you attach any reasons or evidence that support your request for a review. Please remember to include your complaint number and sign the form.

With the help of the community, we have developed policies and procedures which ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equitably. The many community policing committees that help us in this regard are kept informed of our efforts to improve our training and to operate within the parameters of our mission statement.

This Service will continue to deal with such incidents as it has in the past. In the end, a comprehensive complaint procedure helps to improve service delivery and professionalism within the organization.

For additional information, please contact the Officer-in-Charge of Professional Standards, at 725-7025, extension 2210.

Public Complaints

Public Complaints are grouped into three categories; Service, Policy or Conduct complaints. A substantive complaint will be thoroughly investigated by our Professional Standards Unit. Conversely, a complaint that is initially recognized as being frivolous, vexatious or made in bad faith will be disposed of at the outset.

Type of Complaint	2006	2007	2008
Service	3	1	0
Policy	1	0	0
Conduct	30	39	26
Total Complaints	34	40	26

The Barrie Police Service received 26 Public Complaints in the year 2008. Of the complaints received by our Professional Standards Branch, 17 cases were concluded without the need for an investigation, 9 cases proceeded to investigation.

Initial Determination	2006	2007	2008
Frivolous, Vexatious, Bad Faith	3	1	0
Six Month Limitation	3	3	1
Third Party/ Not Directly Involved	2	0	0
No Jurisdiction	0	1	0
Informal Resolution	10	12	9
Withdrawn	3	5	7
Investigation Initiated	13	17	9
OCCOPS	0	0	0
Pending Determination	0	1	0
Total Dispositions	34	40	26

Of the 9 investigated occurrences, the determination is summarized in the following table:

Investigation Determination	2006	2007	2008
Not within Jurisdiction	0	0	0
Frivolous, Vexatious, Bad Faith	1	0	0
Withdrawn	0	0	0
Resolutions	0	0	0
Unsubstantiated	3	9	7
Officer / Member Disciplined	2	0	0
Inquiry / Hearing	0	0	0
Public Mischief	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0
Pending	0	0	0
Active / Ongoing	7	8	2
Total Dispositions	13	17	9

Public Complaints

Of the complaints investigated in the year 2008, none resulted in disciplinary action against a Service member.

Criminal Investigations

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We believe that our investigators are among some of the best in Ontario. We encourage new investigative techniques, and efficiency and effectiveness are in evidence. The Unit is grateful for the many cooperative citizens whose concern for justice help make the work easier, and whose actions help to make our City a safe one.

Investigations Division
The Investigations Division, under the direction of an Inspector, is responsible for the investigation of major occurrences and the follow-up review and investigation of criminal activities which cannot be concluded by members of the Community Patrols.

Identification Unit
The Identification Unit, staffed with forensic identification specialists and civilian support staff, is responsible for the collection of evidence at the scene of a crime, such as fingerprints, and the subsequent analysis and classification. Members of the Unit now make full use of DNA analysis as a new forensic tool . The specialists must also be capable of handling photographic duties, including the developing of prints. Forensic Identification is a field that requires a high level of training and technical expertise.

Intelligence Unit
The Intelligence Unit is required to monitor and collect information pertaining to organized crime and other criminal activity in the Barrie area. Through an Ontario-wide cooperative venture, this information is collated and shared with member agencies. As a result, patterns of crime are identified and enforcement strategies are developed in cooperation with other police and non-police agencies.

Street Crime Unit
The Street Crime Unit has numerous areas of responsibility. These include "liquor squad" type enforcement, adult entertainment monitoring and enforcement, escort/prostitution enforcement, motorcycle and youth gang monitoring and enforcement, and street level narcotic enforcement (independent of the HCFDU - Huronia Combined Forces Drug Unit). The unit also serves as the Services' surveillance team. They are used for this function almost weekly, at the request of other units within the office.

Assistance is also given from time to time to the Joint Force drug and break and enter units although in fairness this is not a regular occurrence. At last but certainly not least, these officers are seen by the Community Patrols Division as a support unit to their officers on the street, providing backup assistance on radio calls, liquor and drug enforcement as well as static and mobile surveillance.

Major Crime Unit
The Major Crime Unit is tasked with the Services' most serious investigations. These include homicides, unexplained deaths and other major criminal cases that require the utmost in training and ability. This unit works quite often in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Polices' Criminal Investigations Bureau on major cases of mutual interest.

Fraud Unit
The Fraud Unit investigates frauds of a more serious nature, quite often involving large monetary losses by victims. These lengthy and tedious investigations require a special kind of detective to effectively investigate. We are continuing to train our fraud investigators to allow them to combat new criminal trends. The Service intends to launch a cyber-crime investigative unit as part of the fraud unit in the near future.

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault
The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit unit is staffed by highly trained investigators who regularly confront some of society's uglier crimes. This unit works very closely with the Children's Aid Society as well as other social agencies. The unit also provides assigned personel to specialize in the Sexual Offender Registry. The unit regularly provides assistance to victims of domestic crimes as well as sex crimes.

Members of the unit are also specialized in the area of youth crime along with the newly created Canada Youth Justice Act

General Assignment Investigators
To supplement all of the specialty units in the Investigations Division, the Service has maintained it's General Assignment Investigators. These detectives work closely with the Community Patrol officers to investigate more serious occurrences, and provide assistance to uniformed officers when required. Quite often they are seconded to units such as Major Crime to augment manpower on large scale investigations.

Joint Forces Operations
Our Service recognizes that, in some situations, success can only occur if a number of police agencies combine their resources and target specific criminal activity. We participate in Joint Forces Operations, and our successes have been many. It is well known that crime knows no boundaries, and it makes sense to have a group of trained investigators assigned to specific problems in the greater Barrie area. In particular, drug investigations and the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs have been the subject of such cooperative ventures.

Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE)
The Barrie Police Service has been given a Grant from the Provincial Government, Ministry of Public Safety and Corrections, to be part of the Provincial Strategy to combat Internet Child Exploitation. The funding from this grant assists the Barrie Police Service to utilize one Detective Constable for online investigations involving children and one Detective Constable for Computer Forensics. The ICE unit is run with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Internet Child Exploitation Unit (formally known as Project P). More about the Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE).