Police urge calm, safety, amid global unrest Tara Jeffrey Both the Sarnia Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police issued statements Friday in the wake of rising global tensions amid the Israel-Hamas war.
Police urge calm, safety, amid global unrest
Tara Jeffrey
Both the Sarnia Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police issued statements Friday in the wake of rising global tensions amid the Israel-Hamas war.
“With the many global events currently unfolding, the Sarnia Police Service is aware that there have been some calling for international civil unrest this upcoming weekend,” a news release stated, adding that the service continues to work with federal, provincial and municipal law enforcement partners ‘to ensure coordination and information sharing.’
“The Sarnia Police Service will not tolerate any form of hate and will pursue any alleged or suspected incidents of hate crime or hate motivated behaviour in our city.”
The OPP issued a similar message, in response to ‘global online threats of violence regarding the situation in the Middle East.’
“We want to assure the people of Ontario that we continue to focus on public safety,” a statement noted, adding that police are monitoring for any situation that could impact public safety. “While the OPP respects the right of everyone to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, everyone also has a right to a safe environment.
“All those involved in a demonstration have a responsibility to ensure the event remains lawful, peaceful and safe.”
Police say they are increasing presence and patrols in areas ‘of cultural and religious significance’ and will maintain open lines of communication with community leaders.
“Acts of hate, violence or threats of violence will not be tolerated. Any incidents will be investigated and those responsible will be held accountable.”
Report any allegations of hate-motivated incidents and crime to the OPP or your local police. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. All other incidents in OPP jurisdiction can be reported by calling the non-emergency number, 1-888-310-1122.
