Norfolk OPP to boost presence on local trails

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Residents can expect to see an increased police presence on Norfolk County trails during the summer.

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Norfolk OPP to boost presence on local trails Back to video

Acting Insp. Jeffrey McNorgan, speaking at a recent meeting of the Norfolk County Police Services Board, said the trail system will be the subject of a focused patrol this season.

“We have had in the past some issues and we’re just making sure that we take a proactive approach,” McNorgan said in response to a question from police board member George Santos. “We want to make sure we’re identifying people who may need some additional supports.”

The initiative could include front line officers as well as Const. Shauna Poulton, Norfolk OPP’s community mobilization officer, McNorgan said.

The increased police presence will focus mainly on the Simcoe and Waterford trails, McNorgan said.

McNorgan, in his report to the police board, said there are three homeless encampments that have been identified as being a risk to private and public property. Two of those encampments are on the Lynn Valley Trail behind the water treatment plant.

Poulton is working closely with local housing and Norfolk County to have the encampments cleaned up, McNorgan said in his report.

All of the individuals residing in the encampments have been offered assistance and supports to find suitable housing and other assistance, McNorgan said.

McNorgan also noted, in his report, that 18 OPP officers spent 14.5 hours in April moving people away from Talbot Gardens in Simcoe after receiving reports of unwanted activity.

In his report to the board, McNorgan said Norfolk County OPP had approximately 61 mental health calls for service in April and May. As well, there were six non-fatal opioid overdoses.

There were no known fatal opioid overdoses in April or May.

Meanwhile, the community street crime unit was involved in 21 investigations that included five warrants in April. As a result of those investigations, the OPP seized $5,000 worth of illegal drugs, $1,200 in cash and $660 in property.

Police also laid nine drug and two criminal code charges, McNorgan said in his report.

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