BELLEVILLE, ON – The Belleville Police Service is proud to celebrate the success of the 2026 Belleville Polar Plunge. On April 10 at the Herchimer Boat Launch, brave participants plunged into the icy waters of the Bay of Quinte, raising $23,900 to support local Special Olympics athletes. The event’s success is a reflection of the incredible efforts of everyone involved. A special thank you goes out to: Plungers who braved the freezing waters Community organization, businesses and teams for bringing incredible energy and creativity with their costumes Volunteers who kept the day running smoothly Spectators who cheered and encouraged participants throughout the day Belleville Fire and Emergency Services for ensuring the safety of all participants   The dedication of the entire community made this year’s Polar Plunge a truly unforgettable celebration, all #FreezinForAReason. “This event is a shining example of what makes Belleville special,” said Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks. “It

BELLEVILLE, ON – From April 12 to 18, the Belleville Police Service joins communities across the country in celebrating National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honouring the dedicated men and women who serve as the first point of contact in emergency situations. “At the Belleville Police Service, our 911 communicators are the initial voice in every emergency and the constant presence behind every call,” said Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd. “We simply could not function without them. They are an indispensable part of our service, always alert and always ready, providing calm, guidance, and reassurance while protecting lives and supporting officers on the front line.” 911 communicators play a critical and irreplaceable role in public safety. From the moment a call comes in, they are dispatching officers with precision and relaying essential information. Their work ensures responders are fully prepared before arriving on scene, and it is fundamental to the safety

BELLEVILLE, ON – In 2026, the Belleville Police Service is introducing a zone policing framework to provide more focused and proactive service across the city. The city has been divided into four zones, developed using comprehensive data analytics, including natural boundaries and call volumes among other key factors. The new model is designed to help the Belleville Police Service better understand the unique priorities and concerns of each area, enabling a problem-oriented approach to policing. By working in defined zones and focusing on specific issues and patterns, officers can develop targeted strategies to address community needs effectively and prevent recurring problems, while building meaningful relationships. To kick off this initiative, the Belleville Police Service will host community conversation tables in each zone. These open discussions provide residents an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and help set priorities for their neighborhoods. First Conversation Table Dates: Zone 2: Parkdale Community Centre

BELLEVILLE, ON – As Fraud Prevention Month comes to a close, the Belleville Police Service reminds the community that fraud can happen to anyone, and vigilance does not stop here. Our Criminal Investigation Division continues to share resources throughout the year. Fraud can take many forms, from cryptocurrency scams and phishing emails to online shopping and investment fraud. Common warning signs include urgent requests, unusual account activity, unsolicited requests for personal information, or offers that seem too good to be true. Education is your best defense. Follow us on social media for weekly posts highlighting common scams and practical tips on how to protect yourself throughout 2026. Even after March, our team continues to visit local businesses to provide in-person education and resources on fraud prevention. Stay tuned for future events and updates. We encourage everyone to stay alert, stay safe, and remember: fraud prevention starts with you. If you

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Belleville Polar Plunge, originally set for Friday, March 27, has been rescheduled due to ice conditions and for safety reasons. The event will now take place on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Herchimer Boat Launch. Updated Event Details: Date: Friday, April 10, 2026 Time: 1:00 pm Location: Herchimer Boat Launch, Belleville   This date change does not affect the status of existing teams or plungers. There is still time to register a new team or donate to the Belleville Polar Plunge. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4tdcHt6   ORIGIANL RELEASE SENT ON FEBRUARY 6 Special Olympics Polar Plunge Returns to Belleville! Back to Briefs

BELLEVILLE, ON – The 2026 Special Olympics Polar Plunge is almost here! Join us on Friday, March 27th at 1:00 pm at the Herchimer Boat Launch in Belleville for this event that helps support Special Olympic athletes across Ontario. Belleville’s bravest will once again take the icy plunge into the Bay of Quinte to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario. This is your chance to get involved and make a real difference in the lives of over 23,000 athletes across the province. Ways to Get Involved: Create a Team and Fundraise: Gather a group of friends, coworkers, or community members and dive in together. There are currently 13 teams registered to get #FreezinForAReason! Donate: Can’t take the plunge? Make a donation to the City of Belleville Polar Plunge, a specific team, or an individual. Cheer Them On: Show your support by attending and cheering for the participants.   Last year,