Southwold Community Policing Association

03/22/2026

Spring feels like it's here - time to get your bike(s) ready and get new helmets and safety gear for the road, the trails or wherever. Make sure to visit our friends at St Thomas Cycles (www.stthomascycles.ca / (519) 633-9898) for a tune-up or refresh!

They are a full service bicycle shop, happy to offer service on any make and model and to offer advice to make the ride more enjoyable. Whether it be road, mountain bike, commuting, gravel, touring, whatever your discipline, they are happy to help.

03/07/2026

Now this looks like a great opportunity for a 15-18 year old to take on!!!

is now accepting applications for the 2026 Youth In Policing Initiative (YIPI). This paid summer program is a great opportunity for youth aged 15 to 18 to build leadership skills, gain hands-on experience, and get involved in their community.

The program runs in July and August 2026, with up to 40 hours of work each week reporting to Elgin (St. Thomas) OPP Detachment located at 42696 John Wise Line.

What YIPI participants may do:
* Assist at community events
* Meet policing and civilian units
* Support crime prevention campaigns
* Help maintain cruisers, boats, and equipment
* Assist with presentations and detachment tours
* Engage with youth and community members
* Take part in foot patrol and positive ticketing
* Support recruitment activities etc...

How to apply: Submit a resume with a cover letter explaining why you would want to be part of the YIPI program and what you would bring to the role. After a review of the resume, a short interview will follow for a few candidates.

E-mail your resume to Jeffrey.Beaumaster@opp.ca or drop your resume off at our detachment located at 42696 John Wise Line.

Deadline of April 2, 2026^jcb

03/05/2026

Do you know or are you a teenager still looking for volunteer hours? The Southwold Community Policing Association (us!) is looking for a couple of volunteers to help out. Please DM or email at southwoldcpa@gmail.com if you interested.

One spot is short term (one night event on April 18) and the other is longer term and only 2-3 hours per month (assisting with our social media content).

We can sign off on student volunteer hours, and even write a great letter of recommendation to add to post secondary applications when the time comes.
TIA

02/15/2026

ELGIN OPP SEEKING ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING 911 CALLER The Elgin County Ontario Provincial Police - West Region are asking for the public's help in locating the individual who called 911 from the Dalewood Conservation Area.

TODAY Sunday, February 15, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m. the Elgin County OPP responded to a report from the emergency medical services that they were unable to locate a person in distress. Emergency medical services attended and were unable to locate the individual. Elgin OPP, with the assistance of the Canine Unit and the Emergency Response Team have been searching for the individual.

If you are the person who called for help or know who it was please contact Elgin County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

02/13/2026

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT JOINING THE OPP AUXILIARY UNIT? The OPP is Hosting an Auxiliary Constable Information Session .... learn more about the OPP recruitment process to ensure that you are at your competitive best!

FIRST EVENT: Monday, February 23, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m., at West Region Headquarters - 6355 Westminster Drive, London.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/auxiliary-information-session-london-tickets-1982688042307?aff=oddtdtcreator

SECOND EVENT: Saturday, February 28, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m., at West Region Headquarters- 6355 Westminster Drive, London.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1982689151625?aff=oddtdtcreator

Participants must pre-register by visiting the links provided and adhere to the cancellation policy, dress code, and instructions on the registration page. Parking will be available on-site.

The OPP information session provides participants with the opportunity to gain knowledge, insight and helpful advice relating to the Auxiliary OPP recruitment process. The session includes an overview of how to apply, prerequisites, expectations of an applicant and an overview of how to prepare for each stage of the process.

For more information about OPP careers, and a list of upcoming events, visit opp.ca/events. You can also visit opp.ca/auxiliary to learn more about the program.

We are hiring! Register to hear about Auxiliary opportunities in your area!

02/09/2026

MOTORIZED SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK IS UNDERWAY!
Ride Safe, Ride Smart

You won't hear snowmobilers in Ontario Provincial Police - West Region (OPP) West Region grumble about this winter's heavy snow and icy cold weather. This winter's ideal riding conditions are a great opportunity to enjoy the sport safely.

From February 9, 2026, until February 16, 2026, the OPP, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), are hitting the trails for Motorized Snowmobile Week. The week-long education and enforcement campaign targets the unsafe riding behaviours that lead to death, injury and property damage both on and off Ontario snowmobiling trails.

Excessive speed, loss of control, alcohol impairment and inattentive riding are the leading contributing factors to fatal snowmobile collisions in Ontario.

OPP West Region members want to avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 riding season, when five riders lost their lives in fatal motorized snow vehicle (MSV) collisions (Middlesex County - one death, Perth County - two deaths, Huron County - one death, Lambton County - one death). There have been three fatal snowmobile collisions in West Region so far in 2026. (Brant County, Oxford County, South Bruce)

Before hitting the trails, make preparations to ensure your ride is a safe one:

Wear a helmet and other safety gear
Don't ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Don't ride on private property. Instead, stay on approved trails.
Check current trail status on the OFSC website.
Check the weather forecast.
Let someone know about your riding plans.

"Taking a few extra steps helps ensure everyone gets home safely and can keep enjoying everything Ontario's winter has to offer." - Inspector Mike McConnell/OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager

02/09/2026

02/08/2026

Bringing back a reminder from the Southwold Fire Department from a few years ago .... make sure to clear snowed in fire hydrants in your area. That 10 minutes you spend now could save someone's life! It means our FD members can start right away instead of wasting time slinging a shovel to get to the hydrant.

While clearing your driveway today don’t forget to clear around a hydrant, 1 meter 3 feet clearance is required for fire operations

02/08/2026

With Ontario Provincial Police – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/08/2026

With Township of Southwold – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/03/2026

Our hearts go out to the grieving families and those affected by these tragic losses. Situations can happen quickly, but let's all do our best to avoid them if at all possible.