Belleville Police Service wants the public to know that it takes data and evidence security very seriously and is passing
ongoing provincial government audits regularly.
On Thursday, the Police Service Board heard two reports, one involving Police Integrity and Anti-Corruption Practices, the other
on Property Evidence Management.
Such information has been in the spotlight ever since the recent news of the arrest of seven Toronto Police Service officers on charges
of fraud, drug trafficking, theft, and conspiracy charges.
BELOW ARE THE REPORTS:
Police Integrity and Anti-Corruption staff report:
The Belleville Police Service employs multiple accountability mechanisms to ensure
professional conduct, proper data governance, and compliance with provincial policing
standards. Safety is expensive, to be a highly trained well-equipped police service and
respond to everything from a neighbor dispute to a multiple casualty event, we must be
prepared for every environment, under every condition. This requires an investment in
talent, skills, tech, and infrastructure.
Adequate and effective policing relies on protected information systems, reliable
connectivity, and strong cybersecurity controls to safeguard sensitive data and ensure
operational continuity. Ensuring the integrity of these systems supports public trust,
enables thorough oversight, and allows our members to perform their duties confidently
and effectively. We are in care, custody and control of our data.
Oversight and Accountability Framework
The Service conducts recurring internal audits and compliance reviews through PDQA
to ensure professional standards and appropriate use of police data systems. These
reviews help identify irregularities, confirm lawful use, and reinforce integrity safeguards
across the organization. These internal controls support representative, transparent,
and rights-compliant policing consistent with the principles set out in the Act.
Information System Governance
Access to federal, provincial, and internal databases is controlled through authentication
tools, with external partners (RCMP, OPTIC, MTO) maintaining audit logs and/or
requiring annual reviews of user activity. These systems provide traceability, allowing
for investigation of any unusual or unauthorized queries. Access to police data systems
is governed in a manner that safeguards fundamental rights and freedoms and ensures
lawful, accountable use of information.
Modernization and Compliance
BPS continues to update internal policies and procedures in batches to align with the
Community Safety and Policing Act. These updates include records management,
supervision, technology use, and processes involving oversight agencies. In parallel,
the Information & Technology Services Unit is preparing for a transition to Axon
Records and Emeres CAD to improve audit capability, security, and continuity of
operations. We continue to modernize policies and procedures to ensure policing is
delivered in accordance with the needs of the population and with regard for the
community we serve.
PROPERTY EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT AUDITS
Two members of the PEMU along with the PDQA Staff Sergeant schedule currency
vault audits 2 times a year. This generally occurs in the late Winter and late Fall. The
upcoming currency audit is scheduled to take place on February 17, 2026. All currency
assets which include jewelry, collective antique coins, foreign currency, and Canadian
currency is accounted for, cross referenced through our records management system
and direct accounting. Currency that has been seized and forfeited by way of a court
forfeiture order is calculated and submitted to the Receiver General.
Firearms Vault
Two members of the PEMU and the PDQA Staff Sergeant schedule a firearm audit
approximately 3 times a year but no less than 2 times a year depending on vault
inventory. Firearms are accounted for and crossed referenced through our records
management system. Once firearms are identified for destruction due to completed
court evidence, turned in for destruction service, past due safe storage, etc. an audit is
conducted and firearms and removed from the vault. These firearms are taken to a
destruction service location where members of the PEMU observe and confirm that all
firearms have been destroyed and rendered inoperable. Once completed, all firearms
are removed from the BPS inventory, and a list of the firearms destruction report is
forwarded to the RCMP firearms section for verification. A new current inventory list is
then completed to show what firearms are currently in the BPS firearm vault.
Chemical Drug Vault
Two members of the PEMU daily catalogue incoming drug/chemicals and store for
evidentiary purposes. All incoming substances are weighed and measured and
recorded into the BPS records management system and logged into the vault under the
incident case number. All drugs/chemicals are verified through a Health Canada
technician that are involved in a criminal case. All other drugs seized for destruction
that are not connected to a criminal process are weighed and measured and stored for
incineration which occurs approximately 3 times a year but no less than 2 times a year
depending on inventory. Once drugs/chemicals are incinerated, they are removed from
the records management system. Incineration always includes both members of the
PEMU and the PDQA Staff Sergeant present for destruction confirmation.
General Property Storage Section
Property inventory includes thousands of items that are either required for criminal
evidentiary process, major case retention, safe keeping, cold case evidence, etc. This
includes items that can be moved out of BPS inventory within weeks or inventory that is
kept for 25 years to a maximum of life.
