Citing ongoing trespass and loitering issues, the Chatham-Kent Police Service is bringing in a Trespass Authority Agent Program.
Police officials said it is a proactive initiative designed to help business and commercial property owners address ongoing problems.
The program allows registered business and commercial property owners to authorize police officers to act as their agent for the purpose of enforcing the Trespass to Property Act. As a result, the Chatham-Kent Police Service may take enforcement action on behalf of the property owner without requiring the owner to be present at the time of an incident.
“Property registration is important because, under Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act, police cannot automatically act as an ‘agent’ for every private property owner unless authority has been formally granted,” police officials said in a media release. “A registration process creates a clear, documented relationship between the property owner and the police service, ensuring officers are acting lawfully and consistently when enforcing trespass issues.”
Registered properties will display Trespass to Property Act Agent signage identifying that police have pre-authorized authority to assist with trespass enforcement.
The program is designed to support property owners in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
The Trespass Authority Agent Program applies to properties specifically enrolled in the program.
For business and property owners looking to take part in the program, they can visit services.tryrubicon.com/chatham-kent-police-service/registries/select.
