In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Timmins Police is restricting access to the station and taking steps to screen non-emergent calls for service.
A letter from Chief John Gauthier details the "preventative measures" being implemented today.
The public is asked to not go to the police station, located at 185 Spruce St. S., unless absolutely necessary.
People who do go to the station may be asked a brief, non-intrusive screening questionnaire about potential COVID-19 exposure. If you're asking for an officer for a non-emergent call, you will also be screened before an officer is dispatched.
According to Gauthier, "all standard emergency service functions" will remain available and intact.
"Some non-emergency calls for service may be diverted to officers that will take information over the phone. All essential and emergency situations will still include the attendance of Uniform Police Officers. Once again, this is for the protection and continued uncompromised ability of our officers to respond to calls for service from the general public," said Gauthier.
"For the immediate time being, Timmins Police Service personnel, both uniform and civilian maybe observed tending to their duties while wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks. This measure is implemented for their own protection."
Until it is "deemed safe and responsible" to offer services over-the-counter, Gauthier said police are not accepting in-person record check applications, Freedom of Information requests. Until then, services are available at www.timminspolice.ca or by phone.
"Any applications that have previously been submitted are available for pick-up but it is strongly recommended that those persons call the Timmins Police administrative line (705-264-1201) prior to attending the police station," he said.
The service is in continuous contact with the Porcupine Health Unit in monitoring the pandemic situation.
As it changes, he said the service "must adapt accordingly in terms of approaches and responses to calls for service."
"It is completely understandable that the current situation may cause individuals to experience stress and anxiety, but as Chief of Police, I want to reassure my community that the Timmins Police Service, its members both civilian and uniform and our community partner organizations are actively monitoring the situation so that our responses contribute to mitigating any potential harm. As a community, we must work together to engage logical and patient approaches to this challenging situation," said Gauthier.
