Calls for service are down almost 30 per cent for the Guelph Police Service, but a spokesperson for the department said it is also receiving calls for issues that are not necessarily police matters.
Const. Kyle Grant said there were 967 calls for service between March 19 and 24, down from 1,368 calls in the same time period last year.
“I can’t definitively say for sure why the numbers are down,” said Grant. “Saying that it’s for sure due to COVID-19 would be speculation, but it’s definitely a possibility.”
On Tuesday, Guelph Police warned about COVID-19 scams reported in the community.
Grant said the department has been receiving some calls for service that aren’t necessary police related matters, such as bylaw issues, parking, civil matters, etc.
“I encourage the public to utilize 911 for emergencies only and to use both online reporting at www.GuelphPolice.ca and 519-824-1212 to report non-emergencies,” said Grant.
The Guelph Police Service headquarters is currently closed for non-emergency services.
The Collision Reporting Centre at 160 Clair Road is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and now closed on weekends.
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Responding to a question about personal protective equipment, Grant said officers use nitric gloves, eye protection and surgical masks, when appropriate, based on the circumstances of the interaction.
In some situations, officers may ask members of the public to wear a mask when interacting with officers.
