O.P.P - Nottawasaga Community Report

NOTTAWASAGA

COMMUNITY

REPORT A LOOK BACK AT 2018

collaboratenottawasaga.ca opp.ca

Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa and New Tecumseth

NOTTAWASAGA OPP

G.J. (GARY) COUTURE INTERIM COMMISSIONER

ROSE DIMARCO CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT

STEVE CLEGG INSPECTOR

I am pleased to contribute to this community report as I look back on 2018.

Last year presented many changes and challenges for the OPP, most notably the legalization of recreational cannabis.

The dramatic social change brought on by combined federal and provincial legislation prompted one of the most comprehensive, collaborative efforts our members and public safety partners have ever undertaken.

I am extremely proud of our members for their steadfast resolve throughout the planning and implementation phases.

They ensured we are well-prepared to deliver on our new enforcement, education and public safety responsibilities on and off the road.

Keeping illicit drugs out of our communities remained a priority on other fronts as we continue to address the ongoing opioid crisis. The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, combined with community collaboration on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement demonstrates that Ontario’s Mobilization & Engagement Model of community policing is keeping Ontarians safe.

Last year was a particularly difficult year, with three OPP members taking their own lives within just weeks last summer.

With heavy hearts, we were reminded that mental illness is not always in plain sight. These tragic losses renewed our commitment to find new ways to support our members, empower them to seek help when they need it, and to have every OPP member take the initiative when they suspect that someone in ”our family” is dealing with a mental health issue.

We continue to build upon critical mental health work that we began in 2015 with the OPP’s Mental Health Strategy: Our People, Our Communities.

The OPP-led Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet was one of the finest examples of collaboration towards safe, healthy communities. Through their outstanding investigative work, the OPP and 26 police partners conducted a month-long coordinated investigation. The Strategy laid 551 charges against 122 people for child online sexual exploitation. During the investigation, 55 young victims were identified. The accused included teachers, emergency services and military personnel - an important reminder of the pervasiveness of child sexual exploitation in communities big or small.

We again reached out to community members throughout Ontario in 2018 with our Community Satisfaction Survey. The OPP was gratified to see that 98 per cent of respondents feel “very safe” or “safe” in their respective community and to receive valuable feedback from respondents.

These are but a few examples of our challenges and successes in 2018. I am both honoured and proud to be part of a police organization that again demonstrated that there are no limits to what it can accomplish in the face of tremendous challenges.

As we enter the final year of our Strategic Plan, we will continue to focus on leadership, a healthy work force, technology, analytics and reinvestment. These core priorities align with every aspect of what we do and allow us to continuously improve on the excellent work being done by our more than 9,800 uniform, civilian and auxiliary members that make up the Ontario Provincial Police.

Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this outstanding community report.

Last year I asked for your help in making our roadways safer and I believe we have made some progress together.

Our personal injury collisions for motor vehicles in the Nottawasaga Detachment area have gone down by 24 percent (218 in 2017, 165 in 2018) and our personal injury motorcycle collisions have gone down by 62 percent (thirteen in 2017, five in 2018). Unfortunately the lives lost in collisions have not gone down (five in 2017 & 2018) so we need to recommit to slowing down in all weather conditions, focus on driving when behind the wheel, wearing our seatbelts and not consuming alcohol or drugs before driving. The officers at the detachment continue to educate and enforce the ‘Big Four’: inattentive driving, alcohol/drug impaired operation, speeding, and lack of occupant restraint. The Nottawasaga Detachment was one of the leaders in our region in terms of increased enforcement and interaction with the motoring public.

Often crime and community harm is in plain sight, yet it is not easily recognized or dealt with in a meaningful way.

Not too far from your area, the OPP and our policing partners recently brought 43 migrant workers to safety as victims of labour human trafficking. Child exploitation and abuse is in our neighbourhoods. The drug and opiod related deaths are touching all walks of life and socioeconomic groups.

Mental health issues and interaction with the police are expanding. We must acknowledge that this is happening in our communities, talk openly about the problem and work together to make some positive strides. The Nottawasaga Detachment has implemented several new programs and reinvigorated others, which Inspector Clegg will outline in his address. I am hoping that with community support, engagement and ownership we can move in the right direction.

The OPP and our officers are highly recognizable from the shoulder flash, to our uniforms, to our distinctive black and white cruisers. We promote high visibility through vehicle and foot patrol, attendance at community functions and schools and a strong media presence. While much of our work can be seen, there is a lot of work that happens that is not readily identifiable. If you look to the sky, the OPP helicopter may be conducting searches for missing people, our planes might be assisting with driving enforcement, or our Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) may be mapping a traffic accident to get the roadways open faster. If you look to the trails and waterways, our local and regional officers are there. Also, Orillia Central Region Headquarters and General Headquarters is staffed with analysts, technology experts, and other investigative services that are all a resource and support to your local detachment.

One unit you may not see is the Community Street Crime Units (CSCU) which was created in 2017 and has had great success in investigating and enforcing illegal drug activity and street/property crimes. In 2018, the Nottawasaga unit executed many search warrants for drugs, firearms, money, stolen goods and offence related property. The Nottawasaga CSCU were involved in 371 occurrences, executed 90 warrants, and charged 227 people with almost 700 charges.

The unit seized almost $500,000 in drugs, hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen property and have worked with neighbouring units and other police services as criminals know no boundaries. 2018 was an outstanding year for the CSCU in making your community a safer place.

I sincerely wish everyone a safe and happy 2019.

As the Detachment Commander of your local Ontario Provincial Police service, I am proud to be able to present this 2018 Nottawasaga Detachment Community Report.

This publication will allow the community we serve to better appreciate our public safety/crime prevention responsibilities and more importantly, showcase our collaborative achievements with community stakeholders that have a direct impact on the safety and security of all communities policed by Nottawasaga OPP. I would like to acknowledge the hard work and increase in enforcement efforts that came out of our Nottawasaga OPP Detachment members in 2018. The evolving complexities of crime and advancements in technology, in addition to the unpredictable nature and demands of major investigations, critical incidents and emergency response, requires significant and continued investment of resources to meet those demands. Enhanced enforcement efforts in 2018 resulted in an overall 22 percent increase in traffic related charges compared to 2017. We have to remain committed to a traffic safety approach that will change driver behaviours responsible for injuries and deaths on roadways and trails.

Substantial increased calls-for-service including mental health related calls continues to place pressure on our front line officers. In order to adequately and effectively provide policing services, we need to remain focussed on working with community partners in a collaborative manner. In 2018, through the realignment and reinvestment of existing resources, we created a dedicated Sergeant position to lead the newly created Community Mobilization and Response Team which consists of a Mental Health Coordinator, Community Services Officers, High School Officers, Investigative Support Officer, Bike Patrol Unit and the Nottawasaga OPP Auxiliary Unit.

Placing all these Officers under the direction of one Team Leader has created a more effective and holistic approach to meeting our community expectations. Collaborative tables with community stakeholders for opioid abuse and mental health issues will remain a priority. The deployment of crisis workers with police through a partnership with the “York Region Support Services” (YSSN) has been a tremendous benefit to supporting our front line officers and “persons in crisis”. The “Stronger Together - Youth Symposium” held in September 2018 was an excellent opportunity for Community partners to educate parents, teachers and students about the availability of support services within our Community.

We will continue to be relentless in promoting collaborative partnerships, improving interactions between police and those most vulnerable and enhancing our accountability and transparency to the communities we serve.

I am very proud of all members of Nottawasaga OPP and appreciative of the support received by the governance of the Nottawasaga Police Services Board and our Municipalities in continuing to make our community one of the safest in Canada. Our Nottawasaga OPP Detachment members have always risen to the challenge, as professional, accountable and dedicated individuals. Together, we will continue to ensure our three communities remain a special place to live, work and play.

G.J. (Gary) Couture, Interim Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police 2 - N O T TA WA S A G A C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T • A L O O K B A C K AT 2 0 1 8

Regional Commander Rose DiMarco

Detachment Commander Steve Clegg

Nancy Rugman, Rick Milne, Joy Webster, Lynn Worthington, Sandie MacDonald & Keith Boulter.

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE POLICE SERVICES BOARD

On behalf of my colleagues on the Nottawasaga Police Services Board, I am proud to present some highlights of the Board from 2018 and a glimpse at 2019. Nottawasaga OPP is contracted to provide police services to the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio, Township of Essa and Town of New Tecumseth. The 2019 Board is comprised of two Provincial appointees Lynn Worthington and Keith Boulter. Her Worship Sandie MacDonald, Mayor of the Township of Essa and I are the two Council appointees. Joy Webster sits as the member of the community representing the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio. The Board also thanks Mary Small Brett (retired Mayor of Adjala-Tosorontio) and Peter Gordon (community representative from Essa) for their dedication and service to the Board whose terms ended in December 2018.

As a Section 10 Board our role in policing is one of governance while the Detachment Commander and Operations Manager manage day to day operations.

The detachment prepares a Business Plan with input from the three municipal councils and the Board to

Brianna Lawrenson has been a member of the OPP since 2015

Jacqueline Bertucca has been a member of the OPP since 2013

establish goals and objectives for the detachment to ensure adequate and effective policing services.

The Board held nine meetings in 2018. One of the highlights of the year was the opportunity to recognize local heroes who saved the life of an individual trapped in their vehicle after a very serious motor vehicle collision. They risked their lives to save another and it was an honour to meet them and thank them for their bravery.

The Board is funded from revenue collected by the detachment for certain services such as criminal record checks. With the financial support of the Board, the Nottawasaga Detachment has been a leader in using modern technology to improve and enhance how officers perform their duties.

The Board also funds and financially supports a number of programs and activities in the detachment to enhance the services provided to the communities it serves. One very successful program that the Board funds is the Bicycle Patrol Unit. The Board purchased bicycles and equipment for the unit which is active

Summer Bly has been a member of the OPP since 2014

NOTTAWASAGA DETACHMENT ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF

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Joanne Rosato has been a member of the OPP since 2009

Kelley Morello-Love has been a member of the OPP since 2012.

in the three townships from Spring to Fall each year.

Police presence in the community has proven to be a successful deterrent and the Board will continue to support the unit in 2019.

The Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the Nottawasaga OPP detachment on Industrial Parkway.

All meetings are open to the public and visitors are welcome.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the men and women who serve with dedication, integrity, compassion and courage keeping our communities among the safest in Canada. This annual newspaper provides a look at what our officers have achieved in 2018 and what 2019 holds in store.

Sincerely Rick Milne, Chair Nottawasaga Police Services Board

Melanie Kavanaugh has been a member of the OPP since 1990

Janette McIntosh has been a member of the OPP since 1972.

Anne Craddock has been a member of the OPP since 2002

The Nottawasaga Detachment Administrative Clerks are responsible for a wide range of clerical duties. They are an asset to the detachment and help keep the office functioning efficiently. All of the Administrative Clerks are Commissioners of Oath and provide administrative support to each platoon and specialty unit within the detachment.

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CANNABIS ENFORCEMENT A NEW REGIME Rachel Huggins, Executive Lead, Cannabis Legalization

On Oct. 17, 2018, the way cannabis is treated in Canada changed with a new legislative and regulatory regime.

After 95 years of controlling cannabis through criminal enforcement, which was enacted under the 1923 Act to Prohibit the Improper Use of Opium by then Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, the Canadian government will now control the production of cannabis for all uses. As part of the new Cannabis Control Act, 2017, the provinces and territories have authority for the distribution and sale of this legal product. The once illegal substance will now be sold, bought, possessed, cultivated, transported and used in line with simple rules.

In Ontario, cannabis will only be sold online by the Ontario Cannabis Store until a private retail model is established. Individuals 19 years of age or older can purchase, possess and share cannabis or its equivalent in public. The consumption rules in Ontario align with the Smoke Free Ontario Act and that means cannabis can be consumed anywhere tobacco is consumed. Although the limit to purchase or possess cannabis in public is 30 grams, there is no limit to the amount of cannabis that can be possessed in the home.

The OPP supported the implementation of the legalization in a strategic and comprehensive manner. Every area of the organization was consulted and collaborative plans were developed to ensure that the organization was ready to assume its enforcement role in the face of legalization.

TRAINING SPECIFICALLY FOR OPP

An important challenge was to develop comprehensive training for officers, given that the legislation continued

to change even weeks before legalization. To meet this challenge, the OPP worked with the Canadian Police Knowledge Network and developed its own training products to ensure officers could effectively enforce the new legislation.

OPP-specific cannabis and drug-impaired driving training instructs officers on requirements under the federal and provincial legislation and was made available to other police services across the province.

The OPP is concerned that legalization of cannabis could have detrimental consequences to road safety. In addition to releasing a Drug-Impaired Driving Strategy, the OPP decided to train all frontline officers in drug-impaired driving detection. Over the next few years, the OPP will increase the number of Standardized Field Sobriety Test training courses offered with a view to ensure that every sworn officer has the skills and tools needed to enforce existing and new federal and provincial drug impaired driving legislation.

REPORTING FIT FOR DUTY

As the OPP is a safety-sensitive workplace, policies around cannabis use by members align with existing policies that govern the use of other impairing drugs and alcohol.

Members of the OPP must be fit (physically, mentally and emotionally) for duty.

EDUCATING INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY

The task of educating OPP members and informing the public about the new rules related to legalized cannabis was and continues to be a high priority for the organization. Well in advance of the cannabis legalization date, the OPP launched a robust, strategic internal and external communication plan to inform and prepare everyone for the changes that were to come. Apart from the general information on new cannabis rules, the external social media campaign targets two very important groups; youth and drivers. The campaign continues to be proactive to ensure the public is informed and abides by the rules to keep our roads safe.

In Ontario, cannabis will only be sold online by the Ontario Cannabis Store until a private retail model is established.

Individuals 19 years of age or older can purchase, possess and share cannabis or its equivalent in public.

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TACKLING THE BLACK MARKET

One of the objectives of the cannabis legalization was to displace the illegal cannabis market. With over $700 million in illicit cannabis trade across Ontario, the illegal cannabis market will not simply disappear with the introduction of the legal cannabis regime. In fact, criminal and organized crime groups are hiding in plain sight by selling illicit cannabis through illegal storefronts and online. The effort by law enforcement to target criminal and organized crime activities has not disappeared and the OPP-led Provincial Joint Forces Enforcement Teams (include other police services and the Cannabis Intelligence Coordination Centre) are focused on using actionable intelligence to strategically target illegal cannabis enterprises (storefronts and online); proceeds of crime and assets; and the criminals behind these operations.

SHIFTING OUR CULTURE

For over 5,700 sworn members of the OPP, cannabis legalization represents a culture and enforcement shift. In December 2018 for the first time, OPP recruit graduates and all recruits to follow will understand and learn to enforce cannabis as a legal but controlled product. The passing of cannabis legislation does not mean the work is over. With the introduction of the new Ontario private retail model in April and other legislative and regulatory changes, police services will continue to work through operationalizing new laws and rules for the next few years.

The OPP is committed to providing our officers with the tools, knowledge and skills to enforce the legislation and successfully navigate this new environment.

ABOUT NEW PATH YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES OF SIMCOE COUNTY New Path Youth and Family Services of Simcoe County is a government supported, registered not for profit charitable organization.

We are an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of timely and responsive mental health services for children, youth and their families when and where they need them. We are the Lead Agency for Moving on Mental Health in Simcoe County with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.

“New Path has essentially saved my daughter’s life. I can’t be any more direct than that. By finally having the support of a therapist, who allowed her to talk about the traumatic events that have led her here, to the support of the staff when things get rough, to a Program Manager who has showed her time and time again that he will not discharge her from the program until she is truly ready to lead a healthy life at home, my daughter has been able to not only stabilize but to flourish. Thank you New Path! - Trish.

Because mental health can’t wait, New Path offers a range of fully-funded child and youth mental health services to children, youth

and their families across 8 office locations in Simcoe County, as well as in many elementary and secondary schools.

We are a team of dedicated and highly skilled staff providing mental health supports to children, youth and their families when and where they need them. Last year alone over 2,100 children, youth and their families received mental health support through our agency.

In order to ensure timely and responsive services, we offer child and youth mental health walk-in clinics that offer immediate mental health support. This service can also be a first step to accessing additional mental health supports including groups for children and parents, short and long-term counselling, therapy, and a residential program. The WalkIn Clinic is available at New Path offices in Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Collingwood, Orillia and Midland.

To learn more about New Path Youth and Family Services, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS or sign up for our TrailSigns Newsletter.

TOP 10 CALLS IN 2018 NOTTAWASAGA DETACHMENT CRIMINAL OFFENCES

THEFT UNDER

345 MISCHIEF

235

FRAUD

141 ASSAULT

240

BREAK AND ENTER

ABOUT YOUTH HAVEN - WE TRANSFORM LIVES FOR THE BETTER! “When I first got to Barrie and people would ask where I live, I would just give a general location. I didn’t want to feel worthless.” – Blake Laface On any given night, 7000 homeless youth, look to the streets, empty buildings, park benches or a friend’s couch for shelter.

Closer to home, in 2018, over 400 at risk and homeless youth sought help from Youth Haven through our emergency shelter and our outreach offices located in Innisfil, Alliston, Midland and Orillia, and through services provided in Bradford and Collingwood.

• In the County of Simcoe, 1 in 3 shelter users are youth.

• Homeless youth come from all over and from every background often fleeing sexual, physical, emotional abuse, and neglect.

Human trafficking, dangers of street life and rising drug problems, make it critical to get youth off the streets and in to emergency shelters. That’s where we come in. When we first meet a youth experiencing homelessness, they are scared, and lack the confidence that comes with growing up in a caring environment. Youth Haven is a place where youth experiencing homelessness can find

ABOUT THE DOOR YOUTH CENTRE In the fall of 2018, The Door Youth Centre partnered with Youth Haven and the Nottawasaga OPP to start new youth initiatives. It began with Nottawasaga OPP Constable Joseph Chamberlain. He connected The Door staff, Youth Haven and members from our Canadian Military at Base Borden and provided a full day of manpower to clean out and revitalize the Youth Centre.

The Door now offers space for counselors from Youth Haven to meet one on one with youth and provide them with counselling support, mental health and addiction recovery support, housing support, court support as well as programs dealing with conflict resolution skills, anger management and family mediation.

A new program with the Nottawasaga OPP and Banting Alternative School offers an

shelter, case management and programming.

We provide Crisis Intervention, Outreach Services, Transitional Housing, a Rentsmart program, Job Readiness and Health Care.

Youth homelessness is a rising issue across our city and our country, and the cost of youth homelessness is very severe. Homeless youth often suffer from severe anxiety and depression, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem. At Youth Haven, we are proud to take the lead in providing safe and respectable solutions to youth homelessness in collaboration with our community.

Our youth are our future and play a vital role in the development of our communities and our country. With proper guidance, direction and support we can bring out the best in our youth.

We believe that our youth have enormous potential and the cost of allowing them to become and stay homeless is high. Every day, we see youths who are struggling to survive.

Their stories inspire us and push us to work harder. So, we will step up our efforts to support youth experiencing homelessness, and we will continue to raise awareness and advocate for a brighter future for all. …because we believe that our youth are our future!

106 THREATS

77

POSSESSION AND TRAFFICKING IN ILLICIT DRUGS (NOT CANNABIS)

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE

94

organized free lunch for students and staff on Thursdays. Students can play pool, air hockey, foosball and video games, while building relationships with local officers and connecting with Youth Haven Counsellors for ongoing supports.

Life skill cooking hours is also being offered to students and has been a highly successful program, connecting students to local officers and support programs. Another program offered is Project Serve. This is a service program that teaches students to give back to their communities and communities abroad.

The Door staff also provides a Friday night drop-in at the centre with hopes to expand hours and programming this year as well as continuing the partnerships with Youth Haven and the Nottawasaga OPP.

109

IMPAIRED OPERATION RELATED VIOLATIONS OVER 80

60

BREACH OF PROBATION

55

Source: Records Management System (RMS Niche) Extract Report, (2018) N O T TA WA S A G A C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T • A L O O K B A C K AT 2 0 1 8 - 5

TOP 5

Adjala-Tosorontio, Essa and New Tecumseth

FRAUDS AND SCAMS

FRAUDS AND SCAMS

Top 5 Scams reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) during 2018 (most recent statistics released)

1. EXTORTION

Fraudsters are real. They are out there every day looking for victims.

They will target you online, over the phone, by mail or in person.

14,598 Complainants 1073 Victims

$5,008,165.19

2. PHISHING

10,379 Complainants 3,193 Victims

$746,447.39 3. SERVICE

Whether you are a teenager or a

5,485 Complainants 2,390 Victims

retiree, criminals

$3,299,732.84 4. MERCHANDISE

are eager to steal your personal

4,138 Complainants 2,962 Victims

information and your money using

$10,528,608.44 5. PERSONAL INFO

scams and frauds.

4,055 Complainants 2,060 Victims

$557,029.59

RED FLAGS:

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

Learn to fight fraud and recognize the signs that something is amiss.

It’s not always easy to spot a scam, and new ones are invented every day.

IN 2018, NOTTAWASAGA OPP DETACHMENT RESPONDED TO 141 FRAUDS

WIRE TRANSFER

Many scams involve a request to wire money electronically using a money transfer service, like MoneyGram and Western Union, or using cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.

Remember that sending a transfer through these services is like sending cash. Once the amount is picked up, it’s almost impossible to get your money back.

OVERPAYMENT

You might get a call from someone claiming that you have a virus on your computer, you owe taxes or there has been fraudulent activity in your bank accounts. Know that legitimate organizations will not call you directly. Hang up and call the organization yourself using the number from a trustworthy source, such as the phone book, their website, or even invoices and account statements.

When you’re selling something – especially online – be wary of how you get paid. A fraudster may send you a counterfeit cashier’s, personal or corporate cheque in an amount in excess of what they owe. You’ll be asked to deposit the cheque and wire the excess funds immediately back to them. Once your bank realizes the cheque is a fake, you’ll be on the hook for the money withdrawn.

ASTOUNDING MAIL OFFERS

Everybody loves a great deal. But shocking offers, unbelievable discounts and unreal rates may signal that the offer isn’t quite what it seems. Cheap prices usually equal cheap products or counterfeit goods. Free offers may require providing your credit card for shipping. Small tactics like these can lead to big profits for scammers.

SPELLING MISTAKES

Be skeptical of emails, messages or websites that contain misspelled common words; grammar errors that make it difficult to read or expressions that are used incorrectly. Email and web addresses should also be examined closely to see if there are subtle mistakes or differences.

PERSONAL INFORMATION REQUEST

Fraudsters may ask potential victims to provide more personal or financial information than is required for the transaction or discussion. Be suspicious if someone asks for copies of your passport, driver’s licence and social insurance number, or birth date, especially if you don’t know the requestor.

UNSOLICITED FRIEND REQUESTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know until you review their profile or ask your real-life friends if they know them. Does their profile look fairly empty or have posts that are very generic? Do they seem to be promising more than friendship? These are some red flags that point to a scam. Delete that request and block future ones.

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UNSOLICITED CALLS

You receive a game card in the mail. It guarantees you will or have already won. Prizes might range from cars to trips. If you have not entered a contest, throw that card away. It’s probably a scam!

IT’S JUST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

KNOWLEDGE IS YOUR POWER

Protect yourself by seeking out more information. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, managed by the RCMP, the Competition Bureau and the Ontario Provincial Police, has plenty of information on fraud.

Visit www.antifraudcentre.ca and check out The Little Black Book of Scams online at www.competitionbureau.gc.ca.

The Little Black Book of Scams is published by the Competition Bureau Canada © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2018 If your organization or service would like a presentation on Fraud Prevention, please contact the Community Safety Officer at the Nottawasaga OPP Detachment, 705-434-1939.

MAKE YOURSELF A HARD TARGET FOR

CYBERCRIMINALS

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, becoming more diverse and sophisticated. Trends indicate that phishing is still a viable mechanism for cybercriminals, with phishing attempts up an average of 65 per cent over the last year. Attackers have replaced easy-to-spot tactics with much more sophisticated techniques that may fool even the most careful of users.

Being cybersecurity aware means that you understand what the threats are and take the right steps to help prevent them.

Approximately 90 per cent of all security incidents result from actions such as clicking on an infected attachment or unsafe URL, using easy-to-guess passwords and the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information.

Trends indicate that phishing is still a viable mechanism for cybercriminals, with phishing attempts up an average of 65 per cent over the last year.

Here are twelve important tips

to help keep you, your family and workplace safe from cyberattacks: 1. Practice good password management. Use a strong mix of characters. Do not use the same password for multiple sites, share your password or write it down.

2. Never leave your devices unattended. If you need to leave your computer, phone, or tablet for any length of time, lock it up so no one can use it. If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to secure it.

3. Always be careful when clicking on attachments or links. If an email is unexpected or suspicious for any reason, do not click on it. Double check the URL of the website the link takes you to.

4. Be conscientious of what you plug in to your computer. Malware can spread through infected flash drives, external hard drives and even smartphones. Follow the same security safeguards implemented on your laptop or desktop. Scan all portable drives for viruses and malware and encrypt all USB flash and external hard drives.

5. Keep your software — including Internet browsers, operating systems, antivirus/security software and all other applications — up to date on internetconnected devices. Out-of-date software can put you at risk of security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

6. Be cautious of what you share on social networks.

Cybercriminals can easily gain access to a large amount of information, such as where you work and when you are on vacation, which could help them gain access to more valuable data.

7. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA), where possible. Protect key accounts like email, banking and social media and do not accept unrequested authentication attempts. Remember, when using 2FA, you will only be prompted for authentication upon your request.

8. Be wary of social engineering. Cybercriminals will attempt to gain information from you through manipulation. If someone calls or emails you asking for sensitive information, always verify the sender’s credentials.

9. Mobile devices can be a wealth of data for cybercriminals. Follow the same security safeguards implemented on your laptop or desktop and always recycle your old devices securely to prevent the harvesting of stored confidential information.

10. Do not lend your smartphone to a stranger to use in an emergency. Anything you do or save on your cell phone may be exposed or stolen. If you must, then make sure you dial the number for the person before you hand over your phone. Always watch what the person is doing with your phone.

11. Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

Open networks allow cybercriminals to eavesdrop on sensitive information without your knowledge or permission. Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection feature on your smartphones or tablets. If you are not sure about the security status of the network, to which you are connecting, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which encrypts your data.

12. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Beware of free products offers, claims you won a contest you did not enter, or get-rich quick schemes.

Fake offers and eye-catching or attention-grabbing statements, which make up about 81% of all scams, can lead to financial loss, identity theft and exposure of confidential information.

Remember, cybersecurity protection is everyone’s responsibility and each of us has an important role to play in preventing successful cyberattacks.

Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, it often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website, the look and feel of which are identical to the legitimate site.

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COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION AND ENGAGEMENT UNIT Recently police services throughout Canada have recognized the need for collaboration on issues of policing specific to social disorder issues. This involves a shift from crime prevention to safety promotion using an evidence based and risk driven approach. This is commonly referred as the Community Mobilization Model which is currently being employed by many police services throughout the province. Nottawasaga OPP has established a Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit.

Value to Municipalities - It has been clearly established by our Police Services Board and Safer Communities Act that to adequately and effectively provide policing services there is a necessity to move in a direction which is focused on working with community partners in a collaborative manner. Each municipality falling under the Nottawasaga OPP will benefit in many ways from this approach.

Specifically, it will improve the effectiveness of other social services within the communities that do not fall directly under the role of policing. Examples of the value to the municipalities have been demonstrated several times over the past year. This includes the creation of the collaborative tables for opioid abuse and mental health issues, the deployment of crisis workers with police, the Community Education Symposium and representation on several local community committees to name some.

The Nottawasaga Detachment area has been recognized as a high growth area shifting in many ways from a rural to small urban setting. As such there is a need to evolve with the anticipated and current pressures associated with growth and development in addition to YSSN Co-Response Team and Nottawasaga OPP modernizing approaches to policing.

The situation table (termed “Collaborate Nottawasaga”) was launched in November 2016. The situation table involved the engagement of over 30 community partners who worked collaboratively to handle acutely elevated risk cases. The situational “The Nottawasaga table was established as a result of recognizing Detachment that there was a lack of collaboration between area has been social service agencies and the police in the recognized as a Nottawasaga detachment area. The work that the high growth area Collaborative Table has been doing over the past shifting in many year has had a positive impact on our community. ways from a rural Another community mobilization project that to small urban was initiated by the Community Mobilization and settings.”

Engagement Unit was the Crisis Response Team.

This team involved establishing an MOU with York Support Services Network (YSSN) where a crisis worker was embedded in the detachment and responded to live calls for service with a front line officer. This initiative has been proven to be successful in reducing police involvement with non-crisis matters.

It further provided adequate and timely “wrap around” services to those in need.

Through the Community Mobilization Unit, the Nottawasaga OPP continues to use dynamic and collaborative approaches in addressing issues that affect the community from a policing perspective. The value to the community of this unit is to continue these projects and the further development of community mobilization initiatives.

Collaborate Nottawasaga - Situational Table

“Through the Community Mobilization Unit, the Nottawasaga OPP continues to use dynamic and collaborative approaches in addressing issues that affect the community from a policing perspective”

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SRO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

Issues officers primarily deal with are as follows: • Drug use and addiction • Conflict with peers • Family disputes • Mental health • Youth homelessness • Theft • Social media – including distributing intimate images, cyber bullying, and drug trafficking.

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS

RESPONDING TO YOUTH ISSUES:

The Nottawasaga OPP provides the community with enhanced positions, allowing our officers to focus on issues relating to the betterment of our community. One of those positions is our School Liaison officer. Nottawasaga OPP currently have two officers designated to our three local high schools and two alternative schools.

These officers tackle youth issues and help them navigate through the struggles and pressure faced in Secondary School and sometimes the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The majority of the calls for service are a result of issues at schools, but are often the result of much more complicated issues that require collaborative approaches. Our officers enlist the help of school professionals and outside agencies to identify and work through problems. It is imperative that these officers up hold the law but also work towards the root cause of the problem, to limit further interaction with the police and prevent criminality.

Most issues are intertwined and often occur not only in the physical world but, as a result of interactions online, complicating matters further.

Conflict often occurs between students as they move between social groups and find their place in a new setting. Conflict can often be perceived as bullying, but in most cases it is unresolved issues between peers. Whatever the case, our officers investigate these matters and help youth resolve them in an appropriate manner. Officers utilize restorative circles, youth diversion programs and criminal charges as methods to addressing conflict, bullying and other social issues.

Pro-Active Policing: Transitioning from elementary school to high school can be intimidating for grade nine students.

Through community partnerships, our Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit is excited to host a “Youth 2 Youth” event coming spring of 2019. The event is focusing on connecting grade eight youth to one another to help ease anxiety surrounding their new start, while providing them with information supporting healthy living and learning.

In September 2018, Collaborate Nottawasaga, along with Banting Memorial Secondary School, hosted a Youth Symposium. Invited were 19 elementary schools and three local high schools to educate parents and start difficult conversations, surrounding drug use, human trafficking and resilience. The event was well attended with over 300 students and parents. Planning for the next symposium is underway.

Tips for Parents: • Ask your children what apps their using and how many friends/followers they have.

Note: By eliminating “friends” you limit yourself from becoming a victim of crime.

• Set limitations on screen time and follow a bedtime routine.

Note: Many studies have proven that lack of sleep is affecting youth and their mental health. There have been studies linking the correlation between devices and sleep and the impact on them.

• Address attendance issues promptly.

Note: Students who are not in class often find themselves in trouble. The underlying issue may be a result of something more. Example: learning disabilities, drug issues and or bullying.

• Keeping your youth engaged in sports or activities.

Note: By keeping youth engaged and involved in after school activities, you help your child interact with similar minded youth and keep them busy. This allows them to establish friendships and positive role models, improving their mental health.

Constable Mortimer

Constable Evans

Constable Lawrenson National Director, D.A.R.E. Canada

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Officers from the Nottawasaga Detachment continue to teach grade 6 students good decision-making skills to help them lead safe and healthy lives through the D.A.R.E. program. Students are also empowered throughout the 12 week program to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse, and other dangerous behaviors.

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NOTTAWASAGA

OPP 4601 Industrial Parkway, Alliston, ON L9R 1V4 Phone: (705) 434-1939

Nottawasaga OPP Detachment.

IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

RACE AGAINST DRUGS EVENT

Constable Chamberlain captured the attention of grade 5 students during the RACE Against Drugs Event, interacting with them while they moved through each pit stop to learn about the importance of a drug and alcohol free lifestyle.

SUPPORTING THE HUMBOLDT BRONCOS

Officers and Civilian members from the Nottawasaga OPP Detachment proudly displayed their jerseys and hockey sticks to support the community of the Humboldt Broncos and all those affected by the tragedy that occurred on April 6, 2018.

CO-RESPONSE UNIT

Nottawasaga OPP & York Support Services Network (YSSN) Co-Response Team.

FUNDRAISER FOR AVERY ANDREW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Hundreds of spectators “Filled the Rink” at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex on March 8, 2018 to pay tribute to Everett teen Avery Andrew. The event saw the Banting Memorial High School Marauders challenge officers from the Nottawasaga OPP Detachment to a friendly game of hockey, raising funds for the Avery Andrew Memorial Scholarship Fund.

FOR THE LOVE OF AOC

Nottawasaga OPP Officers and volunteers from Alliston Out of the Cold (AOC) raised over $14,000 from the golf tournament held on May 16, 2018. The funds raised went directly to support the operations of AOC. Thank you to the community businesses and golfers for overwhelming support.

MHH GRAND OPENING

On July 12, 2018, Matthews House Hospice celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new 10-bed facility on Wellington Street, Alliston. Constable Cruz and Constable Lawrenson were in attendance.

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RAISING AWARNESS

Grade 5 students from our local elementary schools designed and decorated single-bottle LCBO bags to raise awareness of the dangerous consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Local Banting Memorial High School students helped the Nottawasaga OPP deliver the bags to local stores to be used during the 2018, May long weekend.

WE ARE THE ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE We are one of North America’s largest deployed police services with more than 5,800 uniformed officers, 2,400 civilian employees and 830 Auxiliary officers. We provide essential services that ensure the safety and security of the people of the Province of Ontario.

WHAT WE DO

OUR VISION

Safe Communities... A Secure Ontario

OUR MISSION

Committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.

Our officers are responsible for policing over one million square kilometres of land and waterways. We provide frontline policing services to 323 Ontario municipalities and patrol over 127,000 kilometres of provincial roadways.

We have many specialized units including drug enforcement, aviation, explosive disposal, search and rescue, canine and emergency response.

OUR VALUES • Professionalism • Accountability • Diversity • Respect • Excellence • Leadership

SAFE COMMUNITIES, A SECURE ONTARIO

ENSURING SAFETY AT PROM 2018

Constable Daniels and Constable Chamberlain assist school administration staff at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School, ensuring a safe 2018 prom.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Constable Chamberlain and Constable Barry stopped in to a kids camp in Tottenham to teach them about bicycle and pedestrian safety.

ANNUAL ALLISTON LIONS CLUB TOY AND FOOD DRIVE

Each year donations are collected at Walmart, Giant Tiger and Canadian Tire in Alliston to help local families during the holidays.

SHOP WITH A COP

Shop with a Cop - Police, parents, and children rose before dawn attending Alliston’s Walmart for the annual Nottawasaga OPP Shop-with-a-Cop on December 1.

STRONGER TOGETHER, YOUTH SYMPOSIUM

- Parents and students from area high schools were invited to listen to dynamic speakers about current youth issues in the community on September 19 at Banting Memorial High School. Over 400 people attended the event.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Sergeant Gosse and acting Sergeant Miller at “Meet Your Neighbour” summer gathering and barbecue at the Tottenham Conservation Area.

ALLISTON POTATO FESTIVAL

Officers and Auxiliary members attended the 45th Annual Alliston Potato Festival in August. The Community Mobilization trailer was situated across from the park entrance and officers engaged with kids while on foot patrol during the event.

PUSH FOR CHANGE

Joe and Marie Roberts continue to help raise awareness and end youth homelessness, one promise at a time.

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NOTTAWASAGA OPP OFFICER RECEIVES HIS CITIZENSHIP

Nottawasaga OPP Detachment Auxiliary Unit

NOTTAWASAGA OPP AUXILIARY UNIT This is your time to give back to your community. The Nottawasaga OPP is actively recruiting qualified candidates to become volunteer members of their Auxiliary Unit!

About the Auxiliary Unit There are many people who wish to experience police work through active involvement. The Nottawasaga OPP Auxiliary Unit offers opportunities to citizens to become part of the police organization in a volunteer capacity. Being a volunteer with the Nottawasaga OPP Auxiliary Unit is exciting and challenging. Every month, members will spend a minimum of 10 hours on patrol (with a regular member) or at community events. Training is provided in a wide variety of areas of policing and is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to keep members current.

The Auxiliary uniform is distinct from the uniform of a regular OPP officer, as Auxiliary members wear light blue shirts instead of dark blue, have their own Auxiliary cap badges and checkered hat bands and the word Auxiliary is embroidered on their shoulder epaulets and displayed on their jackets clearly identifying them as Auxiliary members.

Auxiliary members work in a structured environment and are expected to maintain the high standards of the OPP, sometimes in very difficult situations.

There are many duties that Auxiliary members are involved in, not only patrols with regular members. This includes participating in community-based initiatives such as local parades, festivals, RIDE initiatives, safety displays, presentations, victim assistance and ceremonial duties.

Are you prepared to meet the challenge to work alongside members of the Nottawasaga OPP? To work with members who pride themselves in maintaining high standards? To commit the necessary time and effort required to be an Auxiliary officer and to be a volunteer?

If you are up for the challenge to become a Nottawasaga OPP Auxiliary member, you must meet the following qualifications: • You are at least 18 years of age • You are a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident of Canada • You have a class ‘G’ driver’s license with full driving privileges and no more than 6 demerit points • You have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma program or equivalent • You have completed Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer (level C) CPR courses • You are of good moral character and are mentally and physically able to perform the duties of the Auxiliary position To apply to become an Auxiliary Member and for additional information, visit www.opp.ca/auxiliary.

The OPP is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the full-time position of Provincial Constable.

Policing in Ontario is about working with community partners and stakeholders to ensure public safety through a collaborative effort of crime prevention and law enforcement. The OPP provides municipal contract policing, rural policing, traffic enforcement and other police service specialties. Criminal investigations have become more and more complex with the use of computer technology and the internet, requiring officers to be resourceful, skilled, flexible and adaptable to an ever-changing environment.

Careers

The Ontario Provincial Police offers many employment and volunteer opportunities.

The OPP is actively recruiting qualified candidates for the full-time position of Provincial Constable.

For more information about the application process and minimum qualifications please visit www.opp.ca.

The Nottawasaga OPP Community Report is Designed and Published by The Alliston Herald 1 2 - N O T TA WA S A G A C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T • A L O O K B A C K AT 2 0 1 8

It was an exciting and memorable moment for Provincial Constable Ayad Sbeyti from the Nottawasaga Detachment. PC Sbeyti was honoured as he received his Canadian Citizenship in Mississauga, Ontario, from Judge Anthony Wong and Nottawasaga Detachment Commander, Inspector Steve Clegg.

PC Sbeyti was hired by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 2015. At his time of hire, he was a permanent resident of Canada, but did not have his Canadian Citizenship. Many do not know that you can still be hired by the OPP, even when you’re not a Canadian Citizen. The requirements are either a Canadian Citizen OR a permanent resident. After PC Sbeyti arrived in Canada by himself in 2007 as an International student, he spent 12 years working towards obtaining his Canadian Citizenship.

“Becoming a police officer was always an aspiration for me. I grew up in Kuwait as an expatriate, meaning that my parents and I were always temporary residents. The laws in Kuwait don’t allow for a path to citizenship and police there don’t have the best reputation, especially with non-citizens. With that being said, I’ve always dreamed of having a permanent home and serving my community. The OPP was the gold standard for my dreams and I was really happy to be able to apply when I became a permanent resident. What I love about the OPP is the standard that we set and the opportunities to serve all over Ontario in various capacities. I love the exposure that we get and how we are not limited by geography or resources. I am proud that I can help change the perception of police, especially with folks from the Middle East who have left to find a better life for themselves.”

While PC Sbeyti has been at the Nottawasaga Detachment, he has made a positive impact in the community, working with Syrian refugee families in the Detachment area. He has also been a great resource for officers to reach out to for assistance as he fluently speaks Arabic and English.

Congratulations Ayad!

Contact Police FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, DIAL 9-1-1 Non-emergency: 1 888 -310-1122 General Inquiries: 705-434-1939 8:00 am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday