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Beyond frontline patrol, the South Simcoe Police Service is supported by a wide range of specialized units that bring unique skills, training, and expertise to our community. From investigative teams and forensic specialists to traffic safety, marine patrols, and crisis response, these units ensure we are prepared for every situation.
Whether working behind the scenes or on the front lines, each specialized unit plays a vital role in protecting our residents, supporting victims, and building a safer, stronger community.
Before the police arrive, Emergency Communicators are there. Each year they evaluate and dispatch required resources for over 14,000 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls to the South Simcoe Police. As the ‘first’ of the first responders, these Emergency Communicators serve as the critical link between citizens and the emergency help they require.
The South Simcoe Police Communication Centre is responsible for dispatching police calls for service throughout Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Calls for police services are dispatched directly to patrol officers in the area where the call is occurring. Depending on the nature of the incident, one or more officers and/or police agencies may be dispatched.
The Communications Centre also receives and processes all non-emergency calls for service received from the public, and monitors all SSPS officers on patrol using a Global Positioning System (GPS), along with data and voice transmissions.
Emergency Communicators serve the public, other emergency agencies, alarm companies, tow companies and others.
The Communications Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Communicators work 12 hours shifts in either a Dispatcher or Calltaker role.
9-1-1 FAQ
9-1-1 is the number to call when you have an emergency and need help from the police, fire or ambulance right away.
What information do you collect when I call 9-1-1?
Traditional land-line telephone services provide the local 9-1-1 system with enhanced information. Enhanced means that when you call 9-1-1, your address, telephone number and your name or phone company’s name and number appear automatically on the computer screen of the Emergency Communicator answering your call.
Newer telephone technologies, such as cell phones and Internet- and cable-based phones (commonly referred to as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol), may not provide all of the enhanced 9-1-1 features available on a traditional telephone.
For business phones, check with your manager about 9-1-1 service in your building. If you have to call 9-1-1, be prepared to provide the building address, floor and office from where you are calling.
What if my phone does not have enhanced 9-1-1 service?
In all cases, listen carefully to the Emergency Communicator, follow instructions and stay on the line. If your address does not appear on the computer screen, the communicator may ask you more questions to find out exactly where you are.
My phone works through the Internet or a cable connection. Will I still be able to call 9-1-1?
9-1-1 access for Internet or cable-based phones may differ depending on the type of service. Check with your phone service provider to learn about their 9-1-1 details BEFORE an emergency.
All Internet and cable-based phone companies in Canada that use traditional phone numbers and link to the traditional telephone network must provide access to 9-1-1, but may do so in different ways. In some cases, an emergency call centre may ask your location before routing your call to your local area. Stay on the line until you speak with the 9-1-1 service.
If you are considering the use of Internet or cable-based telephone service, make sure you know if and how you will be able to reach 9-1-1 before you sign up.
Can I call 9-1-1 from a pay phone?
Yes, and calls to 9-1-1 from a pay phone are free.
I accidentally called 9-1-1. Should I just hang up?
No, don’t hang up. Please stay on the line and tell the Emergency Communicator what has happened. If you hang up, they will call back and may send emergency services to your address if there’s no response.
How can I call 9-1-1 if the power is out?
It’s a good idea to have at least one phone in your house that does not require power, so you can make emergency calls during an outage.
The South Simcoe Police Information Support Unit supports both the administrative and operational strategies of the organization and provides services for internal and external business process patrons. This unit is comprised of sub-units which include Records Management, Case Management, Digital Evidence Management, Courts Clerk and Front Counter Clerks.
Some duties that The Information Support Unit is responsible for include:
Heightened awareness at professional levels for safety and security purposes has increased demands for Information Support to process information requests such as Police Record Checks, Freedom of Information access requests, and to provide information to insurance companies, law firms, government agencies and members of the public.
Strategic Services is designed to support informed decision-making, strengthen organizational operations, and facilitate transparent, accountable reporting to the public and our communities. The unit is comprised of the Business Strategist, Dr. Tori Semple, and Strategic Analyst, Amy Lei, with both members reporting directly to the Senior Leadership Team.
Dr. Semple is responsible for advancing the organization’s long-term vision and operational excellence by overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of the strategic plan, managing grant applications, reporting, and building strategic partnerships with universities and other stakeholders to support organizational priorities.
The Strategic Analyst, Amy Lei, works to leverage existing data and develop new data collection mechanisms to improve efficiency, enhance reporting quality, and fulfill administrative reporting requirements.
Together, these roles support leadership and staff by aligning strategy, data, and reporting to advance organizational goals.
Front-Line Policing and Uniform Patrol
Front-Line Policing is the foundation of police service delivery in the South Simcoe communities of Innisfil, Bradford West Gwillimbury, and surrounding areas. Uniform Patrol members are the daily face of policing operations, maintaining a visible and reassuring presence in the community. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, front-line members provide the primary response to emergency and non-emergency calls for service.
Front-line officers enhance community safety through proactive and reactive patrol, traffic enforcement, and community-based problem-solving. They enforce federal, provincial, and municipal legislation in response to citizen complaints and manage the majority of minor to moderate criminal investigations. This includes conducting investigations from initial response through resolution, preparing, and processing charges, gathering evidence, interviewing involved parties, and providing court testimony when required. Front-line officers mediate disputes, assess risk, and ensure accountability, while also providing immediate support to victims of crime. They are often the first point of contact, guiding victims through investigations and the court process. Members also respond to mental health and vulnerable person calls, working with community partners to support individuals in crisis, while promoting long-term public safety.
Front-line members collaborate closely with specialized units, including Criminal Investigations, Traffic and Marine, Community Response Unit and the Mobile Crisis Response Team to ensure incidents are handled effectively in a timely manner. Many uniform members hold specialized training and designations such as Coach Officer, Scene of Crime, Breath Technician, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Emergency Response and Containment and Negotiator, enabling early and effective management of routine through complex situations. Front-line officers bring a wide range of life experience and educational backgrounds to the role, and all sworn members complete standardized Basic Constable Training at the Ontario Police College along with update and refresher training throughout the year to ensure consistent, professional policing across the Service.
The Front-Line Policing team is comprised of two Staff Sergeants, eight Sergeants, and 56 Constables. Through daily public interaction, cross-unit collaboration, and professional response to calls for service, front-line members play a central role in keeping South Simcoe communities safe.
As part of our commitment to modernize policing and enhance transparency, South Simcoe Police Service was proud to announce the launch of a body-worn camera program, in May of 2023.
Why did South Simcoe Police adopt body-worn cameras?
To modernize our policing tools and strengthen transparency and accountability, helping us build even stronger relationships with the communities we serve.
What are body-worn cameras?
Small devices worn by officers that record audio and video during police investigations and interactions.
Was the community involved in this program?
Absolutely. We actively engaged the public through media announcements, social media posts, and a public opinion survey conducted during the pilot program, May 3 to July 31, 2022. Additionally, we collaborated closely with our Police Service Board to ensure the program’s effectiveness and community alignment.
The Court Services Unit is responsible for providing court security at the Ontario Court of Justice in Bradford West Gwillimbury, along with prisoner security and transport, service of court-related documents, court appearances, bail hearings, trials, and transfer of charges.
Court Officers are responsible for disseminating evidence disclosure and handling follow-up requests from the Crown Attorney’s office.
The Court Services Unit consists of Special Constables and an Administrative Clerk who are overseen by a Special Constable Supervisor. The Courts Unit provides support to front-line officers in various ways as well as provides security at the Bradford Courthouse. Special Constables assigned to this unit are responsible for the care of accused people as well as maintaining the safety and welfare of Judiciary staff and everyone attending the courthouse.
Special Constables are responsible for the supervision and transportation of accused individuals in custody, managing cell areas and assisting with required paperwork. In addition, Special Constables obtain Court ordered DNA samples, fingerprint and photograph accused people and assist with victim notifications. The unit also prepares, swears and serves summonses and subpoenas, schedules officers for court and swears information.
Responsibilities of the FIO
The Intelligence Branch provides technical, analytical and physical support to police investigations. Intelligence Branch officers are designated to the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) which is a partnership between the Ontario government and the law enforcement community. CISO brings together police services and provincial and federal government agencies to identify and tackle organized crime across the province.
For more information about the CISO:
Crimes Against Persons Investigates:
Street Crime Investigates:
The team of experienced officers with specialized training also supports front-line investigations and works in partnership with other police agencies on multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Picking Up Your Property
If you need to retrieve an item from the Property Unit, please call 905-775-3311 ext. 1069 to confirm what paperwork or authorizations are required. Property is returned by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. excluding statutory holidays.
When making an inquiry with the Property Unit, please have your occurrence number ready. Photo identification is required prior to the release of any property being held by the Police Service.
Police Auctions
Recovered items that go unclaimed, and property seized in criminal investigations are posted online through Police Auctions Canada, an online auction website.
Proceeds from these sales go directly to the Police Service Board.
Retrieving Evidence
In accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act, evidence from court proceedings is held for at least 30 days after the matter concludes. To have evidence returned, the Property Unit must receive written authorization from the Investigating Officer or a Court Order directing the return of items.
Claiming Found Property
Found items are kept for 90 days while we try to locate the owner. If no owner is identified, the property will be disposed of in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. If you’ve lost something valuable, please contact us with the details to have an occurrence generated with full details of your loss. This enables the Property Unit to identify rightful owners of the property.
Property Seized at Arrest
If you are held in custody and your property is held for safekeeping, it will be retained for 30 days at the Property Unit. You are responsible for contacting the Property Unit to make arrangements to have your property picked up. A designated person may pick up the property on your behalf with a written, signed, and dated authorization letter. If your property is not retrieved within 30 days, the Property Unit has authority to dispose of the property.
Special Cases
The South Simcoe Police Street Crime Unit is made up of highly trained plainclothes detectives who specialize in investigating drug-related and property crimes. These officers bring advanced skills and expertise to support serious and complex investigations.
Street Crime Officers are responsible for investigating the following occurrences:
We are a diverse group of citizens who volunteer our time to the Police Service, playing a crucial role in contributing to our community. The unit was formed in January 1997 and consists of both men and women from various walks of life, all united in our commitment to service. Members of the Auxiliary Unit support the Service and its members with ride-alongs and community events. Auxiliary members assist frontline officers and enhance police presence by assisting with regular calls for service and attending community events.
The mandate of the Auxiliary Unit is to assist the police service with various operational assignments including community events and assist with front-line duties. Assistance may come in the form of traffic direction, crowd control, and public relations through community events for the South Simcoe Police Service.
The rank structure of the unit is made up of one Auxiliary Staff Sergeant, four Auxiliary Sergeants and Auxiliary Constables, overseen by a Staff Sergeant and Sergeant, sworn members of the service who serve as a liaison, providing guidance and support to the unit under the direction of the Chief of Police.
Auxiliary Officers receive training in a wide variety of areas of policing:
The training, which is reviewed and updated regularly, ensures that our members are always prepared. Members of the South Simcoe Police Service Auxiliary Unit must attend all monthly in-service training meetings and devote a minimum of 12 hours per month of volunteer time. They are also expected to be available for emergency “callouts” to assist in searches, crime scene preservation and emergencies. The Auxiliary Unit typically volunteers 3000+ hours annually to the service and the community.
The Auxiliary Officer’s uniform, which is supplied by the police service, consists of the necessary equipment and clothing to perform the array of duties required of its members.
Our recruitment process may include short-listing candidates, a panel interview and a background process. Candidates must meet the following basic requirements.
If you are interested in pursuing a position with us, send us your resume to: recruitment@southsimcoepolice.ca or check for any postings here.
The South Simcoe Police Canine Unit was established in 1998 and has since been an essential component of frontline policing and public safety. The unit began with one Canine team: Police Service Dog (PSD) Sampson and Handler Constable Brett Jacques. Our current Canine team, established in 2017, features PSD Nitro and Constable Shawn Gwilliam.
Nitro was born in Slovakia, specifically bred to be a police dog. After arriving in Canada, Nitro and Constable Shawn Gwilliam completed an intensive 4-month training program through our policing partners at York Regional Police. Nitro is a sable-coloured German Shepherd, chosen for his strength, intelligence, and resilience, key traits required in high-stress law enforcement scenarios.
The German Shepherd breed is selected for its physical ability, strength, and intelligence. A strong temperament is critical, as these dogs must consistently perform under pressure in dynamic and often stressful situations.
In December 2025, the service welcomed Police Dog Nash to the SSPS family! Nash is a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix born in Hungary. After months of intense training alongside his handler, Constable Gwilliam, Nash is ready to begin his career supporting front-line policing. Nash’s training included tracking, building and area searches, article searches, criminal apprehension and obedience.
Thank you to the Barrie Police Service Canine Unit for delivering an exceptional training program. The knowledge and commitment shown reflect the highest standard of excellence.
Nash will begin his career working alongside Police Constable Gwilliam while learning the ropes under the guidance of our experienced Police Dog Nitro, who will continue to remain operational. Over time, Nitro will pass the torch to Nash, ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in front-line policing. Together, they will form a dynamic partnership that strengthens our Canine Unit and enhances our capability to serve the community.
These highly skilled Canines serve as General Service Dogs, trained in:
We are very grateful for the long-standing support of our community partners Liz and Bob Pegg and their daughter Jennifer, owners of Pet Valu in Bradford, and Dr. Derek Boughner from the Dissette Animal Hospital, who help ensure the health and wellness of our canine partners.
History of the SSPS Canine Unit:
The South Simcoe Police Canine Unit remains committed to protecting the community, using the exceptional skills of our canine officers to serve and support law enforcement efforts.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Barrie Police Service
Since 2023, our SSPS Canine Unit and the Barrie Police Canine Unit have been entered into a MOU that provides both regions with better canine coverage to ensure a timely response with a police dog is needed.
What began as a simple idea during a planning meeting for the South Simcoe Police Service’s 20th Anniversary celebration has grown into a proud and visible part of our community presence, the South Simcoe Police Mounted Unit.
Originally proposed as a ceremonial addition to mark the milestone anniversary, the concept quickly took shape with the generous support of Briarwood Farms in King Township.
Through their partnership, two horses, owned by Briarwood Farms, were made available for use at South Simcoe Police community events throughout the year. The unit is proudly funded by generous community sponsors who stepped forward to support this unique initiative.
The unit was put on hold for a few years, as original members who were identified either retired or moved on to other endeavors. In 2024, a posting went out and there was an overwhelming response for interested members. An evaluation was held, and the unit now has 6 proud riders.
The unit continues to train together at Briarwood Farms, growing their skills and abilities. They will be able to represent our service at such events as the Police Week open houses in May, Innisfil Christmas parade, and hopefully many more community events to come.
The Chief’s Ceremonial Unit consists of 10 members. The Unit represents the Chief of Police and the South Simcoe Police at events where a more formal presence is required.
The Unit attends Remembrance Day parades, funerals, memorials and other state occasions. In the recent past, the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit has welcomed The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and provided the honour guard at the Ontario Police Memorial.
The Community Services Unit is dedicated to engaging, educating, and working together with schools, community partners, and residents. Our team visits elementary and secondary schools, delivers educational programs and supports the CAA School Safety Program. In addition, we help facilitate lockdown drills and enjoy connecting with students during assemblies and recess visits.
Beyond the classroom, the Community Services Unit hosts a wide range of events and initiatives including our annual Open House with station tours, Citizens Police Academies for seniors, newcomers and youth. Bike rodeos are hosted to focus on safe riding and proper helmet use. We also run numerous campaigns throughout the year, often in partnership with local organizations, to raise awareness on crime prevention and community safety.
We provide the following services, helping community members of all ages stay safe:
The South Simcoe Police Service Emergency Containment Unit, also known as the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is comprised of officers that have specialized training and equipment beyond that of our frontline that allows them to enhance our service’s abilities in higher risk situations to increase the likelihood of a safe resolution for all. An ERU response can involve between 1 and 9 officers, depending on the severity of the situation.
Mandate and Purpose
The primary mandate of the ERU is to contain and resolve high-risk situations involving armed, potentially armed, or dangerous individuals, using the least amount of force necessary. Their focus is always on achieving safe outcomes and preserving human life.
This specialized team provides a critical response resource for volatile incidents, including:
Training and Capabilities
The ERU has advanced training in specialized weapons, crisis response, and team-based strategies for managing complex, high-stress situations. Team members are highly skilled in suspect apprehension and utilize a range of tactical tools and techniques, including:
The team maintains a strong reputation for professionalism, precision, and operational effectiveness. As a recognized resource in the region, the ERU has partnered with neighbouring police services to assist with large scale investigations and operations involving elevated risk.
Ongoing Development
To ensure peak performance, ERU members regularly update and sharpen their skills through joint training exercises with partner agencies, including the York Regional Police, Barrie Police Service, and the Canadian Armed Forces.
The South Simcoe Police ERU stands ready to respond with discipline, training, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.
The South Simcoe Police Marine Unit operates out of Friday Harbour Resort on the western shoreline of Lake Simcoe and is committed to ensuring public safety. During the non-boating months from November to March, the Unit will respond to calls on the water on an emergency call-out basis. South Simcoe Police Service and York Regional Police support each other on the water and provide assistance with ice water rescue situations.
The Marine Unit is responsible for policing the southern portion of Lake Simcoe, including sections of Kempenfelt Bay and the Holland River. This encompasses over 35 kilometres of shoreline.
In 2018, the service launched the John Graves Simcoe, a 32-foot vessel with twin 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard motors and fully up-to-date electronics, such as a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) to assist in night searches.
The John Graves Simcoe replaced the “Wardrop II,” which was named after former Police Service Board member and long-time Innisfil resident John Wardrop. Mr. Wardrop passed away in 2021.
Every boating season, the Marine Unit is credited with numerous successful search and rescue operations. South Simcoe Police Marine Unit officers have specialized training to perform a wide variety of tasks.
During the spring, summer and fall, officers from the South Simcoe Police patrol the waterfront to promote boating safety and enforce various statutes, including:
The Marine Unit responds to vessels-in-distress calls and supports the Canadian Coast Guard with overdue vessel investigations and/or search and rescue operations.
Marine Links
Formerly known as COAST
The unit formerly known as Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST) is now known as Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT).
MCRT collaborates with our community partners from York Support Services Network (YSSN) and the Simcoe County Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). MCRT officers pair up with a crisis worker and provide support at calls for service and to our communities.
The purpose of the MCRT is to de-escalate situations involving individuals experiencing mental health, neurodevelopmental, addiction, or medical crises and conducts comprehensive assessments to determine the most appropriate and positive outcomes, ensuring individuals are connected with the relevant services and supports.
The unit is mandated with the following responsibilities:
The unit also participates in several programs and initiatives which are designed to enhance road safety:
Some of the training examples are: