(Wingham, North Huron, ON) — While police detachments across Ontario inform the public within hours, the Huron OPP continues to operate in near silence — with press releases often delayed weeks, typically a full month behind reality.
That’s not a minor communications issue. That’s a public safety failure.
Residents are being left in the dark about active investigations, threats, arrests, and police activity in their own communities — while neighbouring counties issue updates the same day, or at worst, the next morning.
At the center of the growing frustration is Huron OPP Media Relations Officer Craig Soldan (519) 482-1677, whose office is responsible for ensuring timely and transparent communication with the public.
Right now, that’s not happening.
THIS ISN’T OPTIONAL — IT’S ACCOUNTABILITY
Police don’t get to choose when transparency is convenient.
Timely press releases serve a purpose:
- Alerting the public to threats
- Preventing further incidents
- Reassuring communities
- Holding police accountable in real time
When information is delayed by weeks, it stops being public safety — and starts looking like damage control.
That’s exactly why residents are raising concerns.
TIMING MATTERS — AND HURON IS FALLING BEHIND
Across Ontario:
- Essex OPP: same-day releases
- Perth OPP: next-day updates
- Lambton OPP: near real-time communication
Huron?
Silence… followed by outdated reports long after the public needed the information.
In today’s world, that’s unacceptable.
TRANSPARENCY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE — ESPECIALLY NOW
This isn’t happening in a vacuum.
The Huron OPP detachment is already facing growing public scrutiny over allegations involving Charter rights and policing conduct.
That makes transparency more important — not less.
When trust is low, silence makes it worse.
Much worse.
CALL TO ACTION — CONTACT MEDIA RELATIONS NOW
The public has a right — and frankly, a duty — to demand better.
If police are funded by the public, they answer to the public.
Residents are being urged to contact Huron OPP Media Relations Officer Craig Soldan (519) 482-1677 and demand:
- Same-day or next-day press releases
- Timely disclosure of incidents affecting public safety
- Consistent communication equal to other OPP detachments
- Real transparency — not delayed summaries
Because silence isn’t neutral.
Silence protects no one.
THIS IS HOW ACCOUNTABILITY WORKS
People often ask, “What can we do?”
This is it.
You don’t need permission to question authority.
You don’t need a badge to demand answers.
You just need to speak up.
Call (519) 482-1677 . Email. Ask questions. Push for answers.
Because if the public doesn’t hold institutions accountable—
No one will.