tps boardThe latest stats are in from the Timmins Police regarding Provincial Offenses Act (POA) charges handed out locally.

In 2015, local officers handed out 2,529 charges under the POA, and that number has been on a decline over the last few years.

Not since 2005 (2,012) have we seen a number this low.  It peaked up in 2010, when 5,626 charges were handed out but the number hasn’t eclipsed 4,000 since.

Over the last year, the busiest months were in the summer as July (270) and August (249) were the top two months for charges laid.  The lowest over the past year was 159 in December.

Compare that to 2010, when the busiest month was March (598).

Chief John Gauthier says the POA covers the Highway Traffic Act, the Liquor License Act and the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act among others.

He adds that even though numbers are down, police have been and will continue to be proactive in their enforcement.

Handout at the Timmins Police Services Board meeting on their Provincial Offenses Act stats since 2003.
Handout at the Timmins Police Services Board meeting on their Provincial Offenses Act stats since 2003.