Estimated 7 minutes
A series of deaths and injuries among police officers in Canada is raising alarms within local police departments.
In just two weeks, three police officers in Ontario and Quebec have lost their lives while on duty, with others getting injured during emergency responses.
Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) Chief Mark Crowell spoke with CBC K-W’s The Morning Edition host Craig Norris about how local officers are coping with this wave of violence against law enforcement.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Craig Norris: For a police officer to die while on the job isn’t something that happens often. What are you hearing from officers here in the region regarding their feelings about this?
Mark Crowell: It’s definitely a time for reflection and pause. You’re right, these incidents aren’t common. But when they happen, it creates a ripple effect both locally and across Canada.
It impacts our work here, especially when responding to emergencies and violent situations.
This year alone, we’re seizing over about 1,000 firearms linked to criminal offenses-this includes illegal weapons, legally owned guns, and replicas. There’s a heightened sense of awareness and vigilance as we respond to various calls. I believe this feeling resonates throughout the province and country as well.
Craig Norris: You were at the funeral [Wednesday] in Toronto for Const. Mark Pinizzoto. Why was it important for you and your team from Waterloo Regional Police Service to attend?
Mark Crowell: It’s essential for us to show solidarity with those affected, whether it’s the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police), Toronto Police Service or soon Montreal (Service de police de la Ville de Montréal). It’s about our shared commitment to ensuring public safety.
We see ourselves as guardians of peace and human rights; it’s our duty to uphold law and order in various forms. By coming together at such events, we honor the families impacted by loss within our organizations while also standing firm against violence and division in society-showing support for our communities as we work towards keeping everyone safe.
The atmosphere is always somber; it’s an opportunity to reflect on our profession and renew our dedication while paying tribute to those who bravely serve despite uncertainties they face daily on behalf of their communities. Coming together provides much-needed space for reflection for all involved.
Craig Norris: I want to address the RCMP’s warning regarding potential increases in violence against police forces. How do you talk about that concern with your officers?
Mark Crowell: We’re open about discussing current issues so I can confirm that speculation around a manifesto intended to incite violence against police isn’t new-it’s something we’ve encountered before.
From an intelligence perspective-nationally, provincially, locally-we take these matters seriously; therefore we encourage vigilance throughout all our operations. When speaking with my officers, we reinforce fundamentals like their training, smart sharing of information, along with maintaining heightened awareness during interactions-that’s part of policing risks today. We’re encountering more weapons than ever before which brings uncertainty into every interaction we handle. But despite being aware of these dangers ahead of them members display resolve-a strong commitment toward fulfilling what we’ve pledged each day-and coming together regularly helps maintain that spirit. Open dialogue around sacrifices made-not just by officers but also communities across Ontario and Canada-is vital so we’re having plenty of conversations surrounding it too.
Craig Norris: What do you hope the public understands or empathizes with concerning what your officers experience daily while serving here?
Mark Crowell: Overall support remains immense; trust levels toward policing both nationally & locally remain high according Statistics Canada data gathered yearly-so yes-we truly appreciate receiving such backing through respectful commentary & engagement ongoing-thank you! I’d emphasize freedom within this community holds significant value representing balance between law & order achieved collaboratively alongside partnerships. So please know how much we depend upon community support driving everything we do aimed at serving them best possible way available! We remain thankful towards all opportunities provided allowing us continue striving hard towards enhancing safety experiences daily!
Craig Norris: Are there resources available if your officers feel overwhelmed or anxious due anything happening lately?<bCrowell:I believe creating awareness around mental health wellness impacts broadly-including within policing-is part& parcel modern approach moving forward hence continuously developing resources tailored addressing realities facing danger uncertainty alike improving overall practices involved.I strongly advocate conversations revolving post traumatic stress injury stemming cumulative exposures dangers incidents affecting first responders particularly impact felt among law enforcement personal overall given current climate challenges experienced today quite honestly![assure]All necessary tools exist; let’s ensure everyone accesses whenever required!
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