(ORILLIA, ON) – The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad arrested 1,213 high-risk offenders throughout the Province of Ontario in 2023. This surpassed the 1,141 arrests made in 2022.
In addition to arrests, the ROPE Squad continued to support public safety last year through the seizure of 17 illegal firearms and substantial quantities of illicit drugs.
The ROPE Squad was established in 2002 and is dedicated to locating and apprehending parolees who are unlawfully at large in the province of Ontario. This includes anyone who escapes from secure custody, escapes from or walks away from non-secure custody, becomes wanted by violating bail or release orders, or who is a high risk and a danger to public safety.
In May 2023, the Government of Ontario announced a $48-million investment to enhance the ROPE Squad. Over the next year, the ROPE Squad will expand from approximately 35 officers to more than 70 members province wide. The mandate of the ROPE Squad has been expanded to include both federal and provincial parolees, including anyone who breaches bail or release conditions and poses a risk to public safety.
Anyone who has information about an offender who is unlawfully at large is encouraged to call their police service of jurisdiction. If that is the OPP, please call 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (3477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
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