Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Lennox and Addington OPP Sgt. Chris Watkins says officers will “continue to rely on their experience, professionalism and discretion” in regards to new guidelines put in place by the province.
The Beaver reached out to Watkins for comment in response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s announcement on Friday, which gave police the authority to stop vehicles and ask motorists why they left their homes in response to spikes in COVID-19 cases across the province. Ford said officers also have the authority to ask for proof of home address to motorists or pedestrians.
“Law enforcement now has the ability to ask anyone outside their residence, including motorists, to indicate their purpose for leaving home and provide their address,” reads a Tweet from the Ontario Provincial Police’s Twitter account.
Several municipal police detachments, such as nearby Kingston Police, have issued statements on social media saying they won’t be conducting random vehicle or police stops, but will instead react to calls for service. Toronto Police tweeted “we will continue to engage, educate and enforce, but we will not be doing random stops of people or cars.”
“We certainly can’t speak to what any other police services are doing, or not doing,” said Watkins. “What I can tell you is that we have not yet seen the actual legislation on this matter, so I can’t speculate on what it says or the direction we will be given as a result.”
Watkins urged residents to continue to follow the direction of the province.
“We have seen over the past few months that some members of the public continue to ignore or defy the provincial rules,” said Watkins. “The laws are intended to limit the spread of COVID-19 and we, again are urging, as we have done consistently over the past year, for people to comply with the laws and to stay home except for essential purposes.”