Peterborough Police to Enforce Emergency Vehicle Traffic Initiative During January

During January, the Peterborough Police Service Traffic Unit will be keeping a watch out for motorists failing to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, announced on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

’The Slow Down, Move Over’ law requires motorists approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights on to slow down and pass with the emergency vehicle with caution.

If an emergency vehicle with lights on is approaching the motorist while moving, the motorist must move off to the right and stop. 

The fine for failing to do so is $400 and three demerit points.

Emergency vehicles are defined as Police, Fire, Ambulance and Tow vehicles.

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Peterborough Police Service Announce New Deputy Chief

The Peterborough Police Services Board has appointed Jamie Hartnett as the next Deputy Chief of the Peterborough Police Service, announced on Thursday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Police Services Board.

Hartnett carries his 23 years of policing experience into the job. He joined the Peterborough Police Service in 2001 and has held positions in all ranks and divisions since then.

Hartnett was previously serving as Acting Staff Inspector prior to the role.

“I am pleased to extend my congratulations to Deputy Chief Designate Jamie Hartnett on his appointment, as well as my appreciation to the Peterborough Police Services Board for their continued support,” said Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service. “As a Chief who is still relatively new to the organization, having joined in January 2023, the appointment of a Deputy Chief from within the Organization will assist me to leverage organizational knowledge and history while building a new and exciting future.”

Deputy Chief Designate Hartnett will officially assume his new role on Jan. 9.

“I have had the opportunity to work closely with Deputy Designate Hartnett this past year and we will continue to work closely together to support the men and women of the Peterborough Police Service as well as the community,” said Betts.

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Multiple Police Services Receive $492,000 In Ontario Government Grant To Combat and Prevent Auto Thefts

The Ontario Government has invested $492,609.94 over three years to help the Ontario Provincial Police - Central Highway Safety Division, Rama First Nations Police Services and the Peterborough Police Service to combat and prevent auto thefts, announced at the Fisher Drive carpool lot on Wednesday.

(from left to right) Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; OPP Inspector Chris Galeazza and OPP Staff Sargeant John Buligan at the Fisher Drive Carpool Lot. Car thefts in Ontario have increased by 31 per cent in the first six months of 2023, when compared to the same period last year according to the Ontario Government. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“This collaborative partnership between police services will help will give officers the tools needed to fight auto theft between Peterborough and Rama First Nations,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “Car thefts within this community are happening at alarming rates and this is unacceptable. We must stay one step ahead of these thefts and this investment will assist law enforcement in getting these criminals off the street and keeping vehicles safe and secure.”

The funding is part of the provincial government’s new Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant program designed to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures. It focuses on prevention, detection, analysis and enforcement. In total, 21 police projects across the province are receiving funding for an investment of $18 million over three years in the fight against auto theft, according to a press release.

From 2014 to 2021, there was a 72 per cent increase in auto thefts across the province and a 14 per cent increase in the last year alone, according to the Ontario government. They also claim that car thefts in Ontario have increased by 31 per cent in the first six months of 2023 compared to last year in the same timeframe.

“This investment will make a difference in combatting auto theft, and we are happy to support our law enforcement colleagues in addressing this issue,” said Chief Stuart Betts of the Peterborough Police Service. “What people don’t realize is that auto theft in itself is serious and can lead to other serious crimes in our community. We see this grant as a way to continue to ensure public safety in Peterborough and surrounding areas.”

The funding will aid the police in special training and increase public awareness.

“This will allow the policing community to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders to disrupt and suppress auto thefts,” said OPP Inspector Chris Galeazza. “The Peterborough County OPP Detachment has a close-working relationship with the Peterborough Police Service. We will work diligently to enhance our partnerships with our non-enforcement agencies and disrupt the threat posed by individuals and organized crime networks, leading to safe communities and a secure Ontario.”

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Peterborough Paramedic Chief Randy Mellow Announces Retirement After 37 Years

After 37 years of service in paramedicine, Chief Randy Mellow of Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), Senior Director of Emergency and Shared Services and Deputy CAO is retiring at the end of 2024, announced on Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“It has been an indescribable pleasure and rewarding experience to have worked at the County of Peterborough and to have served Peterborough County and City as Chief,” said Mellow. “I have watched with pride as this service grew with the support of Canada's best Paramedics, leaders, and support staff. I look forward to continuing to proudly support PCCP, the new Chief and the leadership team throughout the coming year in my Senior Director/Deputy CAO role.”

Chief Mellow had tendered his retirement with a year's notice according to a press release.

Mellow served as the Deputy Chief of Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) from 2007 – 2011, as the Chief in Essex-Windsor from 2011 to 2014 and again as Chief of PCCP from 2014 - present. He also served as the President of Paramedic Chiefs of Canada from 2015 - 2023.

Mellow’s successor will have an opportunity to train directly with him. The succession plan is in its final stages and will be launched imminently according to Peterborough County. A new Chief is expected for early next year.

During the transition period, Mellow is continuing his role as Senior Director of Emergency & Shared Services/Deputy CAO with Peterborough County throughout 2024.

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City of Peterborough To Acquire Calvary Pentecostal Church For Second Police Facility In $15 Million Deal; Deal to Close In February

The City of Peterborough is purchasing 1421 Lansdowne St. W. for Peterborough Police Service administrative offices, with the sale closing in February for $15 million, announced on Friday afternoon.

Pastor Michelle Mercer of Calvary Pentecostal Church (left), Chief Stuart Betts (Middle) and Mayor Jeff Leal (right) at one of the Peterborough Police Station’s conference rooms with the announcement. Calvary Pentecostal Church will remain in the new facility for up to five years as per the sale agreement. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Most police operations will remain at its downtown facility at 500 Water St., according to Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Chief.

“I strongly believe the presence of a police facility in the downtown area is a must,” he said. “There is no intention to leave the 500 Water Street location.  The current location at 500 Water St. will continue to be the base of operations and investigations.”

The former Johnston & Johnston Medical Products facility with the administrative offices and police training could include other future uses, such as the City of Peterborough municipal facility needs.

The property acquisition is a long-standing need to meet growing space requirements for policing in the community that is fiscally responsible and strategic according to Mayor Jeff Leal. He adds that his new facility aligns with his campaign slogan. ‘Building our Tomorrow Together.’

“A new police station was estimated to cost $68 million in 2017. The property and construction costs would be much higher today. With the former Johnston & Johnston property acquisition, we’re able to maintain the downtown police station on Water Street for police operations, add a second police facility for administrative and support services and have additional land and building space for other municipal needs,” said Leal. “Even with the future renovation costs, this is the most financially responsible path, addressing a critical need.”

“With the City of Peterborough purchase of this property, the Peterborough Police Service will have two locations. This is important as the city is growing and will continue to grow,” said Betts. “It is also the most fiscally responsible solution and is intended to meet the needs of the Police Service for decades. It’s expected that the costs of the renovations will be significantly less than the cost of a new-build facility. Securing this property and being respectful of financial constraints was important to me and the Police Services Board."

Renovations are expected to occur over the next few years, subject to City Council approval. They will also occur at the downtown police station, according to Betts. Estimates on facility renovations will be the subject of future reports and budget requests to Council according to a press release.

“Through the joint City-Police facility review process, the thinking on how to meet the need for a new facility for the Police Service evolved from where it started, which was to focus on one new building,” said Betts.

Calvary Pentecostal Church owns the 13.3-acre property with a building with about 106,000 sq. ft. of space.

“Calvary Church is pleased with the recent sale of our church property and is looking forward to how it will benefit all parties involved including the greater community,” said Calvary Church Pastor Michelle Mercer. “It has been a very positive experience working with the City of Peterborough and the Peterborough Police Service through the negotiation process. We look forward to bright days ahead for Calvary Church and those overseeing the development of the city we are called to serve.”

The Church will use part of the building for up to five years as per the sale agreement while they transition into a new property (which has yet to be determined).

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Peterborough Police Provide Tips For Safe Holiday Shopping

The Peterborough Police Service has provided tips to the public for safe holiday shopping.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Here are a few tips provided from the police:

• If you are out shopping, make sure any purchases or valuables in your vehicle are out of sight.

• Be aware of distraction thefts. This happens when one person distracts you with a question while another takes your valuables such as phones, wallets or gifts. It can occur in a store or even in a parking lot. 

• If packages are being delivered to your house, make sure you have a plan for when they arrive. Perhaps a neighbour will pick them up for you or plan to be home if possible. Or ask that delivery requires a signature. 

• If you have a camera installed, ensure it is in good working order and connected to your phone to notify you of movement on your porch.  

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Peterborough Police Seeking Assistance In Location Missing 76-Year-Old Woman

UPDATE: 08/12/23 2:47 p.m.

She has been located safe.

The Peterborough Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating missing 76-year-old woman Norma Nicholls as reported on Friday afternoon.

Nicholls has been missing since 9:30 a.m. Friday from her home in the Royal Drive and Olympus Avenue area. She has dementia and was last seen wearing a red coat, cloth material, running shoes and no hat or mitts.

She is described as:

• White female 

• 5'6" 

• Short white hair with glasses

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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50-Year-Old Peterborough Man Missing from Wednesday Evening; Police Seeking Info On Whereabouts

The Peterborough Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing Peterborough man, 50-year-old Philip Tate.

Police and family are concerned his well-being. Tate was last seen on Wednesday evening, leaving his residence in the Gilchrist Street and Parkhill Road West area at roughly 8:45 p.m. 

Tate is described as:

• Male/ white

• Bald

• 5’11’’

• Green eyes

• Facial hair

He was last seen wearing:

• Black or blue puffy coat

• Black or grey toque

• Sweatpants

• Keen sandals

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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Peterborough Police Service to Launch Community F.I.R.S.T. Program to Address Increasing Property Crime

In response to increasing property crime in the city, Peterborough Police Service has announced the Community F.I.R.S.T. (Community-Focused Investigation & Response Support Team) program launching in January, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The program consists of four frontline officers to primarily address and investigate property crimes. The officers’s workload is generated through calls for service and reports made through the online reporting portal according to Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service.

“This program is in response to what we have been hearing from the community for several years when it comes to property crimes,” he said. “We know property crimes have adverse effects on residents and business owners and we want to do a better job in responding to these types of calls.

Crimes to be investigated by the unit will include mischief, thefts, stolen property and shoplifting.

Over the past five years, Peterborough’s non-violent crime severity index, including property crimes, has increased just over 28 per cent. This increase is by far the highest of all comparator services according to the Peterborough Police.

“Our officers are busy responding to high-priority calls each and every day which means that these types of calls get lower priority,” Betts continued. “It is frustrating for victims of crime, and it is frustrating for our officers who want to serve the community. Each of us knows it’s what the community expects and deserves.”

Community F.I.R.S.T is a year-long pilot program, after which its effectiveness and sustainability will be assessed.

Our officers will wear high-visibility clothing, be deployed in pairs and conduct investigations related to break-and-enters, thefts, mischief and stolen property throughout Peterborough, Cavan-Monaghan, and Lakefield.

In the third quarter, the Peterborough Police Service received the following calls:

SCreenshot.

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Careless Driving Charge Laid From Vehicle Turnover At Warsaw Road Swing Bridge

A driver was charged with careless driving after a single-vehicle rollover at the Warsaw Road Swing Bridge occurred on Tuesday afternoon; no major injuries were reported.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. The driver was charged with careless driving under the Highway Traffic Act and for not having insurance according to the Peterborough Police Service.

One person was taken to the hospital for undisclosed injuries.

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