WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local police have informed the media they will no longer be issuing weekly reports summarizing traffic-related occurrences across the county.
“In an effort to ensure that accurate information is being shared and reported on in a timely manner, the Wellington County OPP will be moving away from issuing its ‘Wellington Weekly’ media release,” Inspector Steve Thomas stated in an Aug. 14 email.
“As information becomes available, news and updates will continue to be published via media releases through [the OPP’s new portal and its social medica accounts].”
OPP officials first proposed the idea of the “Wellington Weekly” reports a couple of years ago as a way of streamlining reports about less serious crimes (reports on more serious offences were sent separately).
However, the “weekly” reports were issued sporadically by the OPP, with fewer sent as time went on.
For example, between Jan. 1 and Aug. 14 of this year, the Advertiser received just 18 of the “Wellington Weekly” reports in 33 weeks, or about 55% of the reports expected.
OPP officials say they will return to sending individual reports on less serious offences.
“We value the relationship we share with our local media partners and community members as we transition to better serve our communities,” Thomas’ email stated.
