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Broadcast time: 3:30 PM |
Date: March 16, 2020 |
The Sarnia Police Service is actively monitoring reports of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
and considering how it and other respiratory diseases (e.g. cold and flu) will affect our community and organization. In collaboration with the Primary Control Group, The Municipality of Sarnia, and Lambton Public Health we are working to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our main focus is the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community and staff.
The following information is intended to update the public on the Sarnia Police Service’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
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When the World Health Organization declared the Novel Coronavirus outbreak an international health emergency on January 31 we have communicated regularly with, and taken guidance from the Municipality of Sarnia and Lambton Public Health Unit. To date, this has included monitoring the situation and providing updates and guidance to our members. We are also taking other precautions by 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 Police Facilities unless absolutely necessary. We will not be accepting in-person record check applications or in-person Freedom of Information requests. The record check applications are on-line at https://www.sarniapolice.com/. Freedom of Information requests must be mailed to the Sarnia Police Service (Attention: Freedom of Information Officer, 555 Christina Street N., P.O. Box 2776, Sarnia Ontario, N7T 7W1). Please use the following link for the application form Freedom Of Information Request .
- The Collision Reporting Centre (CRC) will continue to operate as normal. Anyone utilizing this service will be asked to remain in their vehicles and call the CRC with their cell phones. A representative will attend their location in the Sarnia Police Service parking lot. The number to reach the CRC is 519-346-4648.
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Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. if you need to attend Headquarters you may be subject to brief non-intrusive screening 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.
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If you telephone the police requesting an officer to attend, for a non-emergency event, you may be asked additional screening questions related to the COVID-19 health risks before an officer is dispatched. Again, this is for the protection and peace of mind of our members and the public.
- You may see members of our service wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks for their own protection.
All emergency services are fully functional. The situation is fluid and dynamic, as information from health authorities’ changes, so too will our approach.
As these situations may cause stress and anxiety, I want to personally guarantee our community that the Sarnia 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 Sarnia Police Service for their professionalism and dedication to their peers and to their community.
Please monitor the sites below 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.
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.
Lambton Public Health
- Lambton Public Health maintains a webpage with current information. https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca