Police Services

The Town of Essex has contracted with the Ontario Provincial Police for police services. A team of 23 sworn officers and 2 civilian staff provide police protection 24 hours a day throughout the municipality.

Detachment contact information

For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

For dispatch services or to file a police report, call 1-888-310-1122.

For administrative inquiries only, call 519-738-3796.

Detachment locations

The Essex OPP Detachment is located at:

44 King Street East
Harrow, Ontario

The detachment is open for walk-ins Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Essex OPP Extended Service Office (satellite) is located at:

31 Gosfield Townline West
Essex, Ontario

Criminal Records Checks and Police Clearances

For information on obtaining a Criminal Records Check or Police Clearance for employment of volunteering, please visit the Ontario Provincial Police website.

Essex Police Services Board

The Town of Essex currently contracts the services of the Ontario Provincial Police for police protection within the community. This contract is administered by the Essex Police Services Board.

Essex County Mental Health Response Unit

In partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, the Essex County Mental Health Response Unit provides intervention to individuals who are in severe distress, or who are experiencing a mental health crisis and whose needs are not being effectively met through the justice system or the health sector. 

Community policing

The Essex Municipal OPP Community Policing Committee was formed in February 2012 and is comprised of 2 members of the OPP and 8 civilian volunteers who reside in the municipality, represent a wide range of age groups, and come from all walks of life.

The committee acts as a link or liaison between the police and the community in the delivery of police services. The committee meets on a monthly basis to discuss upcoming events and current policing issues.

To find out more about the committee or to provide comments or suggestions on community policing, please contact the committee.

Mission statement

The Essex Community Policing Committee, through partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, will share the responsibility of the safety of the residents of the Town of Essex. The committee will assist the police in delivering a quality service, assist the police in providing public education and awareness programs, and promote public commitment through active involvement in the resolution of crime, traffic and social order programs. The committee will also raise funds to support ongoing and new initiatives for the community. This partnership will secure a safer community allowing residents to enjoy an improved quality of life.

Goals and objectives

The Essex Community Policing Committee has four goals and objectives:

• Assist the police in delivering quality service;
• Partner with the police in providing public education and awareness programs;
• Promote public commitment and awareness through active involvement in the resolution of crime, traffic and social order issues; and
• Fundraise to support ongoing and new initiatives for the community of Essex.

Initiatives

The Essex Community Policing Committee pursues seven areas of initiatives:

• Child Passports
• Graffiti Busters
• Car Seat Clinic
• Bullying, Alcohol, Drugs
• Bike Safety Clinic
• Student Awards and Achievements for Local Students
• Publish and distribute safety awareness literature