Toronto Police say they won't randomly stop people or cars during Stay-at-Home order
![Toronto Police say they won't randomly stop people or cars during Stay-at-Home order](https://dpdajlq3ew794.cloudfront.net/20210318091337/shutterstock_1843697899-1.jpg?format=auto&width=1920)
The Toronto Police Service has said that officers will not be randomly stopping people or drivers that are out during Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order.
The department issued the statement on April 17, a day after Premier Doug Ford announced enhanced police powers intended to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The temporary measure allows police to stop individuals and drivers who are not at home and ask they why they are out, as well as their home address.
Those who do not answer officer’s questions can face a fine of $750.
“The Toronto Police Service will continue to engage, educate and enforce, but we will not be doing random stops of people or cars,” the service tweeted.
“[We] will continue to engage and enforce equitably and effectively, recognizing always that we must inspire public trust.”
New emergency orders announced yesterday to help limit the spread of Covid-19 are now in effect. The Toronto Police Service will continue to engage, educate and enforce, but we will not be doing random stops of people or cars. 1/2
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) April 17, 2021
Dozens of other police departments across Ontario issued similar statements as the new order took effect on Saturday morning.
Police in York Region, Peel Region, Durham Region, Halton Region, Hamilton, and Ottawa assured citizens that officers would not be conducting arbitrary stops of people or vehicles.
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““I recognize the concern that this brings to our community as a whole,” Peel Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said.
“As Chief of one of the most diverse communities in Canada, I would like to reassure our citizens that our officers will not be conducting random vehicle or individual stops.”
The measure will be in place throughout the duration of Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order, which has been extended until at least May 20.