Cops, on Guard For Thee?


Dear Governor [Name],

We, the undersigned retired and active duty peace officers, are writing to express our deep concern about the unconstitutional public health orders that have been issued in our state. We believe these orders violate the rights of citizens and are not based on sound science or evidence.

We understand that public health is a priority for all of us, but we also believe that it is possible to protect public health without infringing on individual liberties. We urge you to reconsider your current approach and instead focus on measures that will protect both public health and individual rights.

Sincerely,
[Names]

We would love to have you join us in this effort. Please send us a message with your name, contact information, and any other relevant information that you feel is necessary for us to consider. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dear [Name],

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits.

I am writing to you to wish you a very happy holiday season. I know that this year has been difficult for everyone, but I hope that the holidays will bring some joy and cheer into your life.

This year has been a challenging one for all of us, but it has also taught us the importance of family and friends. So, take some time out to spend with your loved ones and make some wonderful memories together.

I hope that 2021 brings more happiness and success into your life. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Take care,
[Your Name]

We, the police officers of Ontario, stand in solidarity with our communities and are committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all citizens. We recognize that systemic racism exists in our society and we are dedicated to working together to address it. We will strive to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equitably under the law.

We understand that there is a need for reform within policing and we are committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue with our partners in government, public health officials, municipal politicians, police associations, chiefs of police, and community members to create lasting change.

We believe that by working together we can build a better future for all Ontarians.

We must ensure that the safety of our citizens is paramount and that we are taking all necessary steps to protect them.

I believe that the best way to address this issue is to create a task force comprised of representatives from law enforcement, public health, and community organizations. This task force should be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan to address the issues in Calgary and ensure that similar situations do not occur in other parts of the province. The plan should include measures such as increased enforcement of existing laws, improved communication between law enforcement and public health officials, and better education for citizens on how to stay safe during times of crisis. Additionally, I believe it is important to provide additional resources for law enforcement officers so they can effectively enforce any new restrictions or regulations put in place.

Finally, I believe it is essential that we work with local communities to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. This includes engaging with community leaders, listening to their perspectives on how best to respond to the situation in Calgary, and working together on solutions that will benefit everyone involved.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that similar events do not occur again while also protecting our citizens from harm.

The government has used the pandemic to pass laws and regulations that are not based on science or evidence, but rather on fear and political expediency. This has resulted in a situation where Ontarians have been deprived of their basic rights and freedoms, including freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and freedom of movement.

It is time for the government to recognize that these emergency powers are no longer necessary and must be repealed. The government must also ensure that any future restrictions imposed on Ontarians are based on science and evidence, not fear or politics.

It is difficult to answer this question without knowing what specific measures you are referring to. However, in general, law enforcement and the judicial system do comment on the lawfulness of various measures. For example, police officers often provide testimony in court cases about the legality of certain actions taken by suspects or defendants. Judges also issue rulings on the legality of certain measures, such as search warrants or other forms of evidence. Additionally, prosecutors may make arguments in court about the legality of certain measures taken by law enforcement officers. Finally, appellate courts review lower court decisions and can overturn them if they find that a measure was unlawful.

I am calling on these stakeholders to meet and discuss the current issues surrounding police reform in Ontario. The goal of this meeting is to identify areas of improvement, develop strategies for implementation, and create a plan for long-term success. This meeting should focus on topics such as police accountability, use of force policies, de-escalation techniques, and community engagement. It is essential that all stakeholders are included in this discussion in order to ensure that any changes made are effective and beneficial to all Ontarians.

1. Law enforcement officers must be trained in the proper application of public health orders and the legal limits of their authority.

2. Officers must be provided with clear guidance on how to enforce public health orders in a manner that is respectful, equitable, and consistent with the rule of law.

3. Officers should be encouraged to use de-escalation techniques when interacting with members of the public who are not complying with public health orders.

4. Officers should be instructed to prioritize education over enforcement when possible, and to focus on voluntary compliance rather than punitive measures.

5. Officers should be given clear direction on how to handle situations where individuals may have legitimate reasons for not complying with public health orders, such as medical or religious exemptions.

6. Officers should receive regular training on cultural competency and implicit bias so they can better understand and respond appropriately to different communities’ needs and concerns related to public health orders.

7. Supervisors should provide oversight and accountability for officers’ actions in enforcing public health orders, including reviewing any complaints or incidents involving officers’ interactions with members of the public related to these orders.

Police officers are sworn to uphold the Constitution, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Municipal bylaws may be in conflict with the Charter, but police officers must still enforce them unless they are found to be unconstitutional.

The Ontario government must take steps to ensure that police are held accountable for their actions. This includes implementing measures such as body cameras, independent investigations into police misconduct, and greater transparency in the disciplinary process. Additionally, the government should work with police forces to develop better training and oversight programs to ensure that officers are properly trained and held to a higher standard of conduct. Finally, the government should create an independent civilian review board to investigate complaints against police officers and provide recommendations for reform. These measures will help restore public trust in law enforcement and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly and equally under the law.

The incident in Calgary was a clear violation of the rights of the children playing pond hockey. It is unacceptable for police officers to threaten to taser and arrest children who are simply enjoying a game of pond hockey. The incident has been widely condemned by many, including the mayor of Calgary, who has apologized for what happened and promised that it will not happen again. Going forward, it is important that police officers are trained to understand the importance of respecting people’s rights and freedoms, especially when it comes to activities like pond hockey.

Signed,
Police on Guard for Thee
(Will you stand?)