C-K Police Provide Statement On Shutting Down Convoys & Parades

Chatham-Kent Police are cracking down on local convoy events and parades in C-K.

Organizers of the local Convoy Of Courage events reported they were being shut down after this coming Saturday’s event in Wallaceburg.

Team members say C-K Police have requested the events come to an end.

In an official statement, Police Chief Gary Conn says although C-K Police and first responders appreciate the gesture, several participants are putting themselves and police in precarious positions.

C-K Police confirm their decision extends to all convoys and parades in Chatham-Kent. We’re awaiting on clarification on how this may affect the local birthday cruises.

Issues pertaining to the specific shut down of the Convoy of Courage includes breaching the orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, prohibiting public events including parades.

Chief Conn also says the social gatherings prior to events along with reports and complaints received surrounding gatherings at participants houses, traffic complaints and road safety have all led to the decision to bring the convoy events to an end.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM CHIEF CONN HERE:

“Over the past six weeks we (police) have taken a graduated approach with an emphasis towards education in respect to the numerous orders which have come into effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) due to COVID – 19. Subsequently, there have been a few parades for numerous reasons including, birthdays, celebrations of life and recognizing Emergency First Responders.

During these extra-ordinary times we (police) appreciate that our citizens wish to help and mitigate the challenges associated to this pandemic in some form or fashion. One of those ways is through these convoys/parades.

That being said, although we (Emergency First Responders) appreciate the gesture and recognition, exhibited via these convoys/parades, the reality is our citizens are going about it the wrong way and placing us (police) and themselves in a real precarious position by facilitating the breaching of an order under the EMCPA. The order is quite clear and prohibits organized public events including a parade.

The social gathering prior to the event starting (rally points) and on occasion reports/complaints received in regards to people gathering at participants houses after said parades/convoys, require further dispersal by Police and By-Law Enforcement.

Finally, those people organizing these parades/convoys, take on an element of liability associated to such events. We (police) have also received traffic complaints, that some participants of these events, fail to obey the rules of the road as stipulated under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Road safety is a priority for our Police Service and as a result, we must ensure that everyone travelling through our community remains safe.

In wanting to accept these events in principle and in the spirit for which they were developed, there are other numerous ways to accomplish this without breaching any laws. As an alternative to showing your support this can be accomplished through all Social Media platforms for Police, Fire, EMS and CKHA. Creating videos as a new alternative way of displaying their appreciation would be just as equally welcomed and encouraged, while remaining at home, where we can all remain safe and healthy as we battle through this pandemic and weather the storm.”