**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE MEDIA RELEASE**

Based on a statistical review, the Timmins Police Service has taken note of a rise in the number of calls for service in the month of August.

In August of 2017, the Timmins Police Service responded to 2337 calls for service while in August of 2018, the Timmins Police responded to 2734 calls for service.

This articulates into a 17% increase in overall matters meriting a police response.

In the month of August (2018), officers with the Timmins Police responded to 63 calls for service in relation to nuisance bears, in comparison to 4 such calls for service in August of 2017.

In the month of August (2018), officers with the Timmins Police laid charges in relation to 475 matters, which is sub-categorized to the following:
– 1 Arson Investigation
– 33 Bail Violations
– 25 Assaults
– 431 Traffic Violations
– 3 Drug Related Investigations
– 5 Shoplifting Complaints
– 3 Break and Enter Occurrences
– 9 Mischief to Property Occurrences
– 4 Frauds
– 2 Impaired Driving Occurrences
– 3 Disturb the Peace Calls
– 1 Sexual Assault
– 32 Other Criminal Code Offences

These are comprised of incidents called into the police for investigation and crimes in progress discovered by Timmins Police officers while completing their assigned zone patrols.

A total of 321 matters resulted in charges being laid in August of 2017 while 475 maters resulted in charges being laid in August of 2018.

This translates to a 48% increase in charges being laid against accused persons for August of 2018 in comparison to August of 2017.

The Timmins Police Service is aware that all persons charged are deemed to be innocent until proven guilty in the presiding court of jurisdiction, but nonetheless this is an increase that speaks to the overall work load of the individual Timmins Police officer.

In general, Timmins Police officers responded to 88 calls for service per day in August of 2018, which translates to a call rate that surpasses August of 2017 with a daily call for service rate of 75 calls for service.

There are aspects to this statistical “snapshot” that merit mention.

In particular, the misuse or careless use of the 9-1-1 service persistently result in a high number of calls requiring a police response when the matter is either unfounded, mischievous or unnecessary.

The administrative phone line for the Timmins Police Service is 705-264-1201 and is to be used for all non-emergent situations.

Additionally, calls for service related to nuisance bears have increased dramatically. The public is reminded that a mere bear sighting does not always merit a police response.

The Timmins Police Service continues to apply a methodical service delivery model, based on calls for service and other metrics, so that overall efficiencies can be identified and implemented to enhance community safety.