Police board backs 'strong measures' being taken in officer assaults

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Norfolk’s Police Services Board is sending a letter to the local Crown attorney voicing its concern about an increase in instances of violence against police officers and paramedics.

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 The action stemmed from a concern raised by police board member George Santos at a meeting in September when a Norfolk OPP community safety and engagement report noted an incident in July when police and EMS were kicked and spat on while assisting a person in distress. 

 At the time, Santos said there had been at least eight charges between June and August against men and women who allegedly assaulted officers. 

 “Often times we come across people who are in crisis, and we do our best to resolve the situation peacefully,” Insp. Andrew Tait told police services board members at the September meeting. “Unfortunately, sometimes our officers are put in harm’s way.”

Following that meeting, Tait met with Norfolk Crown attorney Shane Hickingbottom to discuss the matter. In an email to board members, Tait said there had been a “slight increase” in instances of violence against police officers but didn’t recommend the board send a letter to the Crown at this time. 

At a Nov. 29 meeting, however, Santos asked that his motion stand. He pointed out additional incidents listed in police crime reports in September. One involved a male who stole multiple vehicles during a crime spree, rammed three police cruisers, and subsequently received more than 30 criminal charges. Another report noted increases in assaults, including domestic, assaults on police, assaults at school, and historical assaults.

A crime report for October noted an incident when a driver failed to stop and intentionally hit a police cruiser, and then a civilian vehicle, injuring the occupants.

Some board members said they felt the meeting between Tait and the Crown attorney was sufficient action at this time and no letter was necessary.

“The Crown assured Tait they were taking this issue seriously,” said board member Michael Cruse.

“Unfortunately, this is an issue OPP deal with on a regular basis, in cases of lack of respect,” said board chair Kim Huffman. “I don’t feel it’s necessary at this point to send a letter.”

But Santos said the police services board, as an oversight body, has a duty to voice its concerns. His motion calls for the board’s support of “strong measures being taken” in addressing  violence against police officers be included in the letter to the Crown.

“This is something that complements what has been done,” said board member Linda Vandendriessche. “Now we have a paper trail to say that we’re taking this very seriously. We’re not demanding anything. We’re just agree that strong measures be taken.”