COVID-19 – SPVG enforcing the public�health state of emergency

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Ville de Gatineau

News release

COVID-19 – SPVG enforcing the public�health state of emergency

Gatineau, March 23, 2020. – This is an update by the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) on its enforcement of the government's public�health state of emergency.

Quick facts

●	The SPVG urges residents to do their part by complying with the Government of Quebec's instructions on health measures. It is important to follow the measures imposed, which are evolving day by day.

●	These exceptional measures prohibit, in particular, any indoor or outdoor gathering, unless otherwise specified.

●	Complaints about failure to comply with that ban are�handled by the SPVG. These complaints can be called in to 819-246-0222.

●	911 should only be used for emergency calls.

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The SPVG favors an approach based on promoting information and awareness.
- The aim is to underline the government's message and encourage cooperation by residents.
- Nonetheless, even though the SPVG would rather rely on community persuasion, its officers are prepared to take stronger measures when residents refuse to cooperate.
- One option is the imposition of fines. The Public Health Act authorizes the police to impose fines ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
- The police maintain their usual powers, and charges laid during an intervention will�have the same legal consequences (i.e. criminal offence).

●	The SPVG has stepped up its patrols around areas where people tend to gather. For the time being, their regular resources are deemed sufficient. - The SPVG is monitoring the situation hourly, and will reassign resources as required.

●	Regular police operations are continuing.

●	Since Friday, March 13, the SPVG has had a coordination centre in place to manage operations related to COVID-19.

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The SPVG�has introduced a new complaints call-in service.
- This service is being�handled by a team of specially-trained officers.
- Taking complaints over the phone�helps minimize the need for residents to leave their�homes, and enables the police to focus their response on urgent calls and to conduct sporadic checks in areas where people tend to gather in order to keep things peaceful and in good order.

Call-out to residents to remain vigilant

●	Residents are asked to keep an eye out and to report any suspicious activity.

●	Residents are asked to keep in touch with their family and close friends on a regular basis to check on them without visiting them. Any concerns should be reported to the SPVG.

●	Since March 13, calls may lead to additional health-related questions. - It is essential that residents answer honestly. - The SPVG wants to reassure residents that it is responding to all emergency calls. The purpose of the questions is to protect the health of all parties as much as possible.

Reminder – Service counters closed

●	The service counters at both SPVG police stations and both of its points of service have been closed since 4 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020.

●	The temporary suspension of these services is designed to limit direct contact between people, and is further to the collective efforts requested by the Province in order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

●	The measure also aims to protect the health of SPVG staff providing an essential service.

●	Residents are asked to stay tuned for new information or instructions provided through the SPVG's social media.

Reminder – Contact the SPVG

●	Call 911 when the situation requires immediate assistance.

●	Call 819-246-0222 for information, assistance or referral related to specific needs.

●	Report minor offences online. These would include harassing phone calls, misdemeanours (vandalism) and theft (other than vehicles). When making a report online, the complainant is not required to identify a potential suspect. For additional information, go to www.police.gatineau.ca.

Related links

Online police reporting

SPVG Web site

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Published by
Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau

Source
Andr�e East
Agente relationniste
Service de police
Ville de Gatineau
east.andree@gatineau.ca
@policegatineau

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