Recommendation 8

Chiefs should maintain a system for tracking issued protective apparel and equipment

 

Chiefs should maintain a system for tracking issued protective apparel and equipment in a manner that is consistent with the manufacturers’ suggested specifications, and regularly inspect and re-assess the equipment according to manufacturer specifications to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.

 

Furthermore, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, OACP, and OAPSB should collaboratively monitor supply chain impacts to ensure police services can procure the necessary public order equipment prescribed under Schedule 1 of Ontario Regulation 392/23 Adequate and Effective Policing (General) and engage other orders of government where their jurisdiction may assist in resolving issues that arise.

The PSM guideline for public order also suggested that POU members’ emergency medical information be made available for rapid information sharing in appropriate situations. However, our inspection revealed that not all POUs had put in place an approach to facilitate this sharing of medical information. That said, many services require the POU member to carry their own medical information in a consistent location of their uniform (for example, front body armour pocket).

 

With the surge in POU demand and more multi-jurisdictional deployments, there is increased risk and concern with regards to potential delays in finding emergency medical information in a timely manner – especially if the approach to facilitating quick access to this information varies from service to service. The IoP strongly urges the POU sector, through the Ontario Public Order Hub, to agree upon a consistent format and location for the carrying and access to this information. This will ensure minimal delay in retrieving such vital information, even during combined and cross-jurisdictional events. To mitigate privacy concerns, the information should be secured by the individual in the prescribed location upon their own uniform, only to be drawn upon in the event of a medical emergency.