BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
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With the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers program temporarily suspended because of a national security breach, the Chatham-Kent Police Service has created a new tip line for public reports.
Residents who want to report criminal activity or public safety concerns can now contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service Tip Line directly at 1-888-236-0993.
This line connects tipsters directly with the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
“Members of the public are encouraged to use the Tip Line to share information that may assist police investigations,” Chatham-Kent Police said in a statement. “Information can be provided regarding crimes, suspicious activity, wanted persons, drug trafficking, property offences, or any other matter that may impact community safety.”
However, the tip line is not monitored 24/7.
“While Crime Stoppers has served as an important avenue for community members to share information about crime, the Chatham-Kent Police Service remains committed to ensuring the public has a direct way to provide information to investigators,” read a statement from the CKPS about the new tip line.
Chatham-Kent Police will make every effort to protect the privacy of individuals who provide information to the new tip line; callers should be aware that, unlike the Crime Stoppers tip line, anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
“The Chatham-Kent Police Service recognizes the concern this situation may cause for individuals who have previously provided information through Crime Stoppers with the expectation of anonymity,” the CKPS said. “Protecting the privacy and safety of community members who come forward with information is essential to maintaining public trust and supporting successful investigations.”
Chatham-Kent Police is one of many forces that have paused their partnership with their local Crime Stoppers chapter after a data breach that has affected programs across Canada.
Crime Stoppers learned of a cybersecurity incident involving Navigate360, the third-party provider of the P3 tip management platform used by Crime Stoppers programs across Canada.
Police services in Windsor, London, St. Thomas, Toronto, Hamilton, York Region, Halton Region and others also put their connections with local Crime Stoppers chapters on hold.
The Canadian Broadcast Network conducted an exclusive investigation that revealed more than 1.5 million tips submitted to Crime Stoppers programs across Canada over the past 25 years were compromised.
The CBC also said more than 850,000 of these tips included personally identifiable information.
Chatham-Kent Police said the reported data breach did not involve any of its information systems or databases.
“Crime Stoppers has been a valued community partner for many years, providing an avenue for members of the public to anonymously share information that has assisted investigations and contributed to community safety,” a CKPS statement read. “We recognize and appreciate the efforts of the organization’s volunteers, board members, and supporters.”
Chatham-Kent Police said maintaining public trust is essential and that given the nature of the reported breach and the uncertainty surrounding its scope and impact, it is prudent to take a cautious approach at this time.
“Members of our community must have confidence that the information they provide is being protected,” said Chief Kirk Earley. “While we recognize the valuable contributions Crime Stoppers has made over the years, the incident requires us to proceed with caution.”
“Pausing our participation is a necessary step while we assess the situation and await further information regarding the security of the system and the protection of those who use it,” Earley said.
Erica McIntosh, co-ordinator of Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers, said the chapter cannot accept or forward tips to other participating police services in the region, including the Ontario Provincial Police, Moraviantown Police or Ministry of Natural Resources officers, along with the CKPS.
The public can continue to report emergencies or crimes in progress by dialling 9-1-1.
For non-emergency police matters, residents can continue to contact the Chatham-Kent Police Communications Centre at 519-352-1234 ext. 9 or the Chatham-Kent Police Front Desk Officer at 519-352-1234 ext. 0.
Information can also be reported by submitting a report on the CKPS website at www.ckpolice.com
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