Kingston Police get ready for Homecoming weekend

It’s that time of year again, Kingston!

Queen’s Homecoming weekend takes place this weekend from Friday, Oct. 19 until Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. In preparation for the weekend, Kingston Police have been working with the City of Kingston, Queen’s University, and other community partners to proactively ensure the safety of the community during Homecoming, according to a press release from Kingston Police.

A large contingent of officers have been scheduled to work the event in order to ensure frontline patrol can respond to their regular calls for service throughout Kingston.

“Our priority is the safety of our community while maintaining a reasonable and appropriate level of enforcement,” police said.

Officers will be actively out, engaging with students in cruisers, on foot, and on bicycles, while also working to keep the sidewalks and roadways safe and open.

“Homecoming is about alumni and current students coming together to celebrate what it means to be part of this great community, while demonstrating social responsibility, accountability, and safety for their peers,” Police said.

“Anyone participating in Homecoming should be aware of a substantial change this year as a consequence of poor behaviour.”

The Nuisance Party By-Law and the University District Safety Initiative will be in effect throughout the weekend to help ensure the safety of the community, according to Kingston Police. Any person charged under this initiatice will be required to appear before a Justice of the Peace in Kingston, regardless of where they live. Those charged will not have the option to settle a charge by mail, by phone or online.

“The goal is to ensure that people charged with an offence account for their actions in person,” Kingston Police said.

“Be respectful of the community, mindful of the law, and have an enjoyable and safe Homecoming weekend.”

For more details on the Nuisance Party By-Law or University District Safety Initiative from Kingston Police, go to www.kingstonpolice.ca/safety-crime-prevention/nuisance-party-by-law-and-queen-s-safety-initiative/.