Emergency: 9-1-1   |   Non-Emergency: (705) 949 – 6300

Emergency Services: An Introduction for New Canadians

Policing in Canada

Police are here to keep our community safe. Their job is to help in an emergency, maintain peace and order, prevent and investigate crime, and enforce laws.

You can usually identify police officers by their uniform. Sometimes, you may meet officers who are not wearing a uniform. If you are unsure, you can ask for their identification.

If police attend your home, you should answer the door. If you have cultural traditions that you want the officer to be aware of, please let them know. Please note that an on-duty police officer will not be able to remove their shoes when they enter a home. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand something.

Police have the authority to stop a vehicle at any time. A police officer will indicate you are being pulled over by signaling to you from the road or their police vehicle through hand signals or use of lights, sirens, or loudspeaker.

  • Slow down and pull over to the right side of the road when it is safe to do so
  • Stay in your vehicle unless asked to get out
  • Roll down the window and keep your hands visible
  • Speak to the officer and provide any documents they request

Motor Vehicle Collisions

If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision:

  • Remain calm
  • Stop. If your vehicle is involved in a collision and you do not stop, you may face criminal charges
  • Remain at the scene and help if possible
  • Do not try to move anyone who is injured
  • If the damage of all vehicles is more than $1,000 and/or people are injured, dial 9-1-1 immediately
  • If the damage of all vehicles appears to be less than $1,000 and no one is injured, please call the non-emergency line: 705-949-6300
  • If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road
  • Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
You will also need to attend the Collision Reporting Centre. Click here to learn more about How to Report a Collision.

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your Canadian passport has been lost or stolen:

  • Contact the nearest Service Canada passport office or phone 1-800-567-6868 or TTY Services 1-866-255-7655
  • Report the lost or stolen passport to Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

If you have a non-Canadian passport:

  • Contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Canada for instructions on replacing your passport
  • Report the loss or theft to the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

Calling 9-1-1

An emergency is any situation requiring immediate assistance from police, ambulance, or the fire department. Examples include:

  • A serious crime such as an assault, break and enter, robbery, or firearm offence, especially if it is in progress
  • A fire
  • A motor vehicle collision, especially if anyone is injured
  • A medical or life-threatening incident

If there is an emergency, please call 911.

If it is not an emergency but you still need assistance from police, ambulance, or fire, please call the non-emergency line at 705-949-6300.

When you call 911, the operator will ask if you want police, fire or ambulance. You will need to provide the address of your emergency, and explain what has happened.

If you are unable to speak English, let the operator know which language you prefer and they will do their best to find someone who speaks the same language.

If you dial 911 accidentally, stay on the line to talk to the operator. If you hang up, we will need to call you back or send officers to your location.

Crime Stoppers

When you contact Crime Stoppers:

  • You never have to provide your name
  • Call display is never used
  • You never have to testify in court
  • You could receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if your tip leads to an arrest

Phone: 705-942-7867
Toll Free: 1-800-222-8477

www.saultcrimestoppers.com

Free Mobile App: www.p3tips.com

General Crime Prevention & Safety

Here are some tips to avoid committing crimes, becoming a victim of crime, and staying safe:

  • Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuables; do not leave valuables in vehicle
  • Walk on busy streets with lots of light
  • Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies
  • Wear bright or reflective clothing and only cross the road at designated crosswalks when it is safe to do so; avoid using cellphone or headphones while walking
  • Avoid giving out personal information or sending money to people you do not know; educate yourself on common scams that may be used against you
  • Do not send sensitive photos, personal, financial or confidential information via email, text, or online
  • In Canada, it is illegal to physically harm a member of your family
    • It is also illegal to have sexual relations with anyone unless they consent (even within a marriage or relationship) and are the legal age of consent
  • Drug possession, trafficking, or production can lead to a criminal record and possibly jail time
  • It is illegal and dangerous to drive a motor vehicle when impaired by drugs or alcohol

For information on fraud and scams targeting newcomers to Canada, please click here.