Toronto Police launch enforcement teams in effort to hinder large gatherings

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The Toronto Police Service is launching dedicated enforcement teams in an effort to combat unlawful, large gatherings during the province’s stay-at-home order to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The city’s police force will support the extended emergency measures with dedicated enforcement teams in all 16 divisions, whose primary function will be to respond to large gatherings in both indoor and outdoor settings, it announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The divisional teams will be coordinated from a central command, allowing them to be deployed across divisional boundaries if required.

“We are at a critical stage of this pandemic. COVID-19 is now a matter of public health and public safety,” Toronto Police Chief James Ramer said. “The Toronto Police Service will enforce the provincial orders and will work with the city’s bylaw officers and Toronto Public Health to enforce the measures that will help slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 that is putting public safety at risk.”

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There is no change to police powers and the Toronto Police Service will not be conducting random stops of people or cars.

In addition, individuals are not compelled to explain why they are out of their residence, nor is being outside evidence of a failure to comply with the emergency order, TPS said in its news release.

Workers are also not required to have proof from their employer that they are traveling to or from their workplace.

The service’s enforcement measures will also not apply to vulnerable people in encampments or those experiencing homelessness.

“Our divisional teams will focus on large gatherings that fail to comply with the emergency orders, with a particular focus on indoor gatherings such as parties at short-term rentals or at bars and restaurants,” said Staff Superintendent Randy Carter, who is overseeing the service’s enforcement action. “Everyone must do their part to protect our health and safety, and for police that means continuing to enforce equitably and effectively.”