The Chatham-Kent Police Service is aware of concerns raised on social media about the downtown core of Chatham. Officers attended the business to speak with the owner and through investigation, learned that no criminal offences had been committed. This incident is indicative of the rise in social disorder calls occurring across Chatham-Kent.
Communities across Ontario are experiencing a rise in calls related to social disorder, mental health crisis, trespassing, and addiction-related behaviour. Our community is not immune to these challenges. While these calls are increasing in volume and complexity, it is important to note that enforcement alone is not an effective or sustainable solution. We acknowledge the frustration residents feel when disorder is visible, and the perceived decline in safety. Officers remain committed to public safety and will act decisively when criminal behaviour occurs.
Chief Kirk Earley
“We recognize that public safety is at the core of our community, and we want everyone to feel safe and welcome. While recent incidents downtown have drawn attention online, the majority of these—over 80% are related to social disorder, and not criminal acts. This aligns with broader community challenges such as bail reform, housing instability and limited support services. Public safety is a shared responsibility; our officers are working diligently with local partners to provide support where needed and ensure public safety remains our top priority.”
What We Are Doing
To address these concerns and support the community, the Chatham-Kent Police Service has implemented the following measures:
- Increased Patrols: Maintain a visible presence in the downtown core, on foot and mobile.
- Collaboration: Working closely with local agencies to connect individuals in crisis with housing, addiction support, and mental health resources.
- Engage: Work with the community to provide up to date and accurate information and to listen to their concerns.
The ongoing and proactive efforts of our officers often go unseen, and they play a significant role in maintaining public safety, building trust in our community and the overall wellbeing of all Chatham-Kent. Our officers continue to conduct proactive community patrols, resolve disputes before they are heightened, assist vulnerable residents, provide support to downtown businesses and build partnerships within the community. Our officers are dedicated and committed to the public safety of our entire community.
We encourage everyone to work together by reporting incidents to police, 911 for Emergencies and 519-352-1234 for non-emergencies. The CKPS deploy members based on an evidence-based approach and rely heavily on the sharing of information and reporting of incidents from the community as a whole.
Your call makes a difference.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service would like members of the public to know that downtown Chatham remains safe, active and is a well-supported community space in which the CKPS is committed to keeping safe.