Mental health calls, traffic charges highlight OPP update to County of Brant council

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Mental health-related calls, youth interactions and traffic enforcement were among the key highlights in a recent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) update presented to County of Brant councillors.

According to the February detachment report, officers responded to 23 mental health-related calls during the month, a slight decrease from the same period in 2025. Of those incidents, 11 resulted in apprehensions, with six individuals admitted to hospital and five released with follow-up care. 

Police also reported a significant increase in time spent in hospital emergency rooms while assisting individuals in crisis. Officers spent a total of nearly 28 hours in emergency departments in February, which was more than double the time recorded in February 2025. 

The report noted ongoing collaboration with community partners through initiatives such as the Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST), with eight new referrals made for follow-up support during the month. 

Youth-related incidents also remained a focus for officers. In February, 37 youth were involved in occurrences ranging from Criminal Code matters to mental health and family disputes. Police laid no criminal charges, issuing instead two warnings, 16 Highway Traffic Act or provincial offence charges, and 15 warnings. Two Mental Health Act apprehensions were also reported. 

Officers continued community outreach in local schools, delivering the OPP KIDS program to Grade 6 students and maintaining a presence at Paris District High School. 

Traffic enforcement data presented to council shows continued activity across the region. In February 2026, officers laid 130 Part I charges, 14 Part III charges and one criminal charge. Year-to-date totals for 2026 stand at 245 Part I charges, 24 Part III charges and three criminal charges. 

Police also highlighted ongoing communication efforts, including 13 news releases and 31 social media posts in February, aimed at keeping residents informed on safety issues and incidents in the community. 

Community engagement remained a priority, with officers participating in events such as Youth Academy sessions, a recruitment night in Paris and a community safety night in Cainsville.  The monthly report provides council with a snapshot of policing trends and community safety initiatives across the County of Brant.