The Belleville Police Services Board has issued a statement about recent acts of hate in Belleville.
It is included in its entirety below.
STATEMENT – As the Belleville Police Service Board reflects on the hate crime that took place in our community on the evening of September 20th against our Jewish friends and neighbours, our Board feels we have a responsibility to speak out against hate. Hate is, simply put, wrong.
Since that evening the Belleville Police Service is now investigating the distribution of antisemitic flyers in Belleville. Another act of hate.
Our Jewish community deserves the respect that a democracy offers to all citizens. This generosity should be applied to all, no matter our faith, country of origin, colour of skin or sexual orientation.
The mission of our Belleville Police Service is to protect and serve with integrity and to work with our community to build a safer, stronger future. To build that our service and board will count on each and every citizen to do the right thing. Thwart hate, thwart offensive jokes, thwart public behaviour that is not respectful to others. Hate is wrong and has no place in our city, or any other.
Constable Jeff Smith and Constable Mike McCurdy changed the trajectory of the events of September 20th. Our Board is in awe of what they accomplished that evening. Both men are heroes.
Thank you to all who have demonstrated support for Constables Smith and McCurdy, and the men and women, sworn, and civilian who were part of this tragic event.
Sincerely,
Heather Smith, Chair
For the Belleville Police Service Board
