“It has expanded hours, and there have been a number of police cruisers and involvement. Neighbours say there is mischief going on, disruption to their living arrangement with noise outside and things going on.” Norfolk OPP detachment commander Andy Tait explained that a community engagement officer is assigned to work collaboratively with local partners in housing and public health. He also noted that officers working in Zone 6 in Simcoe on foot patrol have been directed to increase their visibility and make themselves available to
people who work at the shelter. “If there’s mischief or an element of criminality, we want to be aware of that.” Virginia Lucas, director of the Home for the Night Shelter, told The Reformer on Monday that anytime she becomes aware of a situation, she is quick to respond to neighbours, or to involve police if their presence is required.
Simcoe, Norfolk OPP, Home for the Night Shelter, homelessness, police visibility, Zone 6, community engagement, Virginia Lucas, Andy Tait
So basically they’re adding hours and acting surprised people complain??
I don’t get it. If there are more police cruisers it’s because they’re supposed to be helping, not “mischief.” But neighbors always gonna hear noise and assume the worst I guess.
Wait, isn’t this the one where they said it was expanded hours for “public health” but now it’s just more people outside at night? Like maybe they should just stop the shelter and stop the cops from roaming Zone 6 all day.
Police visibility sounds good in theory but I’m still hearing “noise” and “things going on” and that usually means trouble. If the shelter director is “quick to respond” then why are neighbors still complaining? Also the article makes it sound like they want officers on foot patrol… so are they looking for criminals or just doing PR? Either way, that area is gonna feel different now.