Orillia OPP is investigating “possible interference” with its radio frequency.
“Police are aware that civilians have had the ability to hear police communications utilizing ‘scanners,’ which has always been a concern regarding privacy issues and public safety,” OPP stated in a news release. “Recently, police have become aware that portable radios capable of reception of police communications may also have the ability to broadcast on the same, licensed frequency.”
Const. Ted Dongelmans could not provide specific details about the incident, as it is under investigation by the Orillia OPP Crime Unit, but he noted there are certain two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, that can both receive and transmit on other frequencies.
The possible interference being investigated relates to a frequency that is licensed to OPP.
“Our concern is the potential for us being in an emergency situation and having our radio communications interrupted or interfered with,” Dongelmans said, noting it could be a matter of life or death in certain situations.
The news release stated the following:
“Radio broadcasting, in Canada, is governed by the Radio Communication Act and the Radio Communication Regulations which are enforced by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. There are two categories of radio communication equipment. One requires licensing and the other is licence-exempt. In order for a device to be licence-exempt, it must conform to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada policies, regulations and technical standards and it must operate within specially designated frequency bands. The problem begins when these devices are modified or re-programmed to transmit on licensed bands which changes their status to no longer be qualified as licence-exempt.
“Under the Radio Communication Act, ‘No person shall, without lawful excuse, interfere with or obstruct any radio communication.’ It is an offence that, upon summary conviction, carries a maximum fine of $25,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. In addition, interfering with or interrupting police communications may result in Criminal Code charges of Mischief or Obstruct a Peace Officer.
“Emergency service communication is essential to ensure the safety of the public. Any interruption to, or interference with, timely communication in an emergency situation could have grave consequences.”
Anyone with information about this incident or other crimes is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit information at www.crimestopperssdm.com.
