The Russell County and Hawkesbury OPP have collaborated with Victim Services to create a domestic violence safety program.

The Ontario Provincial police in Hawkesbury and in Russell County have partnered with Victim Services for the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) to create a Mobile Tracking System Program (MTS). The MTS is an intervention strategy for ensuring the safety of those at high risk of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or criminal harassment

The program starts with a risk assessment and a personal safety plan. Then, at-risk individuals are provided a GPS device with a panic button that will call police to the tracker’s location when pressed. Support personnel will conduct regular, scheduled follow-up appointments to continuously re-evaluate safety plans.

Potential clients must live in the UCPR, must have made a complaint to police of physical violence or the threat of it, must be identified as a high-risk individual, and must complete the application process detailed. The client should also be willing to work with the Criminal Justice System and follow through on criminal charges and other suggested protection measures.

Although the OPP hopes the program will help alleviate serious cases of violence and abuse, they would like to make it clear that the program isn’t a replacement for the security of a shelter or personal awareness. MTS offers a temporary device and does not in itself guarantee safety.