Increased Visibility for BPS Core Engagement and Response Team with New Battenburg Vehicles
Image: cruiser and officers
Photo: Special Constable Mark Rutledge (inside vehicle) and Constable Mike Gruhl
The Brantford Police Service is excited to announce the addition of two redesigned, newly wrapped police vehicles featuring the highly visible Battenburg design to support the BPS Core Engagement and Response Team (CERT) in the Downtown.
The Battenburg pattern, widely recognized for its reflective and high-contrast design, is used by police and emergency vehicles worldwide to enhance visibility and public safety. By incorporating this design into our downtown patrol vehicles, the Brantford Police Service aims to increase officer presence, improve community interactions, and ensure a safer environment for all residents and visitors.
"Utilizing this new design is an important step in strengthening our engagement efforts in the downtown core,” said Chief Jason Saunders. "The Battenburg design makes our vehicles more noticeable, which not only improves safety but also reinforces our commitment to being accessible and visible to the public.”
The BPS Core Engagement and Response Team focuses on proactive policing, community partnerships, and public safety initiatives. The updated cruisers will help officers stand out while on patrol, making it easier for community members to approach them with concerns or questions.
The BPS CERT team will continue to be deployed within the City’s Downtown Core as their primary patrol area. CERT also has responsibility for patrolling the plaza at 50 Market Street South, 1100 Clarence Street, and the emerging Entertainment District along Market Street South.
The CERT Team is comprised of a combination of sworn officers and special constables who remain focused on proactive enforcement while also addressing offences and unwanted behaviour within the Downtown Core. The efforts of the BPS CERT team enhance the ability of our front-line patrol officers to attend to the safety of citizens community wide.
The Brantford Police Service invites the public to look out for the newly designed cruisers and engage with officers and Special Constables when they see them on patrol.
BPS charge 48-year-old Brantford man for murder
UPDATE: 25-10770
On March 23, 2025, at approximately 3:00 a.m., the Brantford Police Service arrested a 48-year-old Brantford resident and charged him with Murder – 1st Degree.
The accused was held for a Bail Hearing. This is still an active and ongoing investigation; therefore, police will not be releasing any further information at this time.
BPS investigate suspicious death, seek witness information
25-10770
March 22, 2025
Officers with the Brantford Police Service are currently investigating a death with suspicious circumstances that occurred the evening of Friday, March 21, 2025.
At approximately 11:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025, officers with the Brantford Police Service responded after receiving a 911 call to report an injured 34-year-old male victim within at a motel room located on Colborne Street near Locks Road.
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
This investigation is active and ongoing. The incident is not believed to be random. No arrests have been made at this time. Police do not believe there to be any impact to public safety as a result of this incident.
Any witnesses, who have not already been interviewed, are asked to contact BPS at 519-756-7050. Information can also be provided anonymously to Brant - Brantford Crime Stoppers by calling 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477 and referring to Incident # 25-10770 or by submitting a web tip online at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community
BPS drug investigation results in the arrest of two people; drugs and currency seized
24-50839
The successful completion of a two-month investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General, in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation dubbed Project RUSH.
In January 2025, members of the Brantford Police Criminal Intelligence Unit launched a drug related investigation which targeted individuals who were involved in possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. As the project commenced, police identified a male who was believed to be trafficking cocaine within the City of Brantford and surrounding jurisdictions.
As a result of the investigation, on March 6, 2025, outside of an establishment located at Dalhousie Street, Brantford, police arrested the male suspect on reasonable grounds he was in possession of cocaine for the purpose to traffic.
Upon his arrest the suspect was found to be in possession of a substance believed to be cocaine, having a total weight of approximately 7.2 grams, and an estimated street value of $700. He was also in possession of a large quantity of Canadian currency.
Police executed a search warrant at a residence in Burford, where the following items were located:
- 194 grams of suspected cocaine, with an estimated street value of $19,400
- Xanax tablets, with an estimated street value of $3,200
- A large quantity of Canadian currency
Image: Image of evidence
As a result of this investigation a 29-year-old man from Brantford, stands charged with the following offences:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a schedule I substance, to wit cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a schedule IV substance, to wit benzodiazepine (Xanax), contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Additionally, a 30-year-old woman from Brantford, stands charged with the following offence:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a schedule I substance, to wit cocaine, contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Project RUSH is another successful project helping to minimize the threat to our communities caused by the distribution of controlled substances, and organized criminal activity related to drug trafficking. By disrupting the operation of criminal networks, our goal is to assist our community by reducing the violence surrounding the trade of illicit substances.
In support of the search warrants and arrests related to Project RUSH, the Brantford Police Service would like to recognize the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario, for their continued funding and dedication in keeping communities safe in Ontario.
Anyone with information on any other drug-related activities is asked to contact the Brantford Police Service at 519-756-0113 ext. 2286. Anonymous information can be provided by contacting Brant- Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
UPDATE: Brantford police actively investigating attempted jewelry store robbery, seek information from public
25-08057
The Brantford Police Service continue to investigate an attempted robbery that occurred on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Five black male suspects, wearing masks and dressed all in black, attempted to enter a Lynden Road jewelry store by smashing the front window. The suspects were unsuccessful in gaining entry and fled the scene.
Suspect photos are now available and are attached. Suspect descriptions are as follows:
Suspect #1:
Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, wearing a black hoodie and face covering
Suspect #2:
Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, between 5’11”- 6’2” tall, wearing a black jacket, balaclava and sunglasses
Suspect #3:
Male, black, approx. 17-22 years old, between 5’8”- 5’11” tall, wearing a black hoodie and balaclava
Suspect #4:
Male or Female, black, approx. 17-22 years old, wearing a black hoodie and balaclava
Suspect #5:
Dressed all in black clothing
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Image: suspect photo
Employees and patrons were within the store at the time of the incident; however, no physical injuries were reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Esposto at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
MARCH 3, 2025
The Brantford Police Service are currently investigating an attempted robbery that occurred on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Five male suspects, wearing masks, attempted to enter a Lynden Road jewelry store by smashing the front window. The suspects were unsuccessful in gaining entry and fled the scene.
Employees and patrons were within the store at the time of the incident; however, no physical injuries were reported.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Esposto at 519-756-7050. Individuals who wish to provide information anonymously are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a web tip may be submitted at: https://www.crimestoppersbb.com/submit-a-tip/
BPS officers arrest man after stabbing incident, investigation on-going
Incident #: BR25009027
Brantford Police have arrested
a 25-year-old male following a stabbing incident.
On Sunday March 9, 2025, at approximately 8:35pm officers with the Brantford Police Service were dispatched to attend a residence in the area of Mintern Avenue and Blossie Street after receiving a report of an injured male who had sustained a stab wound.
Officers attended the residence, where they located a lone male outside, who was identified as the suspect in this matter. The male was taken into custody without incident. Upon entering the residence, a lone male victim was located inside and was found to be suffering from a stab wound. The victim was subsequently taken to hospital. The accused and the victim are known to each other.
No threat to public safety exists as a result of this incident.
In addition to frontline patrol - members of the Brantford Police Services' Major Crime Unit along with the Forensic Identification Unit are continuing to investigate the incident.
Brantford Police Services Board Announce Appointment of Jason Saunders as Chief of Police
Image: Chief Saunders
Photo Credit: Brian Thompson, The Brantford Expositor
The Brantford Police Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Saunders as Chief of Police for the Brantford Police Service (BPS), effective February 28, 2025. Chief Saunders brings over two decades of dedicated service and leadership experience to this role, having started his policing career as a constable with the Brantford Police Service in 2000.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Saunders has held numerous positions within the service, steadily rising through the ranks. His career has included roles in frontline patrol, specialized investigative units, and leadership positions such as Inspector, Deputy Chief, and most recently, Interim Chief of Police. His commitment to community policing, officer well-being, and modern policing strategies have been instrumental in shaping the service’s approach to public safety.
"On behalf of the Board, we are excited to support Jason Saunders as the Chief of the Brantford Police Service. Chief Saunders’ proven dedication to the Brantford Police Service and the Brantford community has been on display for over two decades. His leadership and efforts to lead the Service throughout his interim period have been exemplary and has installed confidence in both the Board and the Service as a whole. We wish Chief Saunders the best of luck and are hopeful the Brantford Police Service continues to grow, thrive, and serve our community well under his guidance.” – Allan Lovett, BPS Board Chair.
"I am deeply honored to serve as Chief of Police for the community I have dedicated my career to,” said Chief Saunders. "Together, with our dedicated officers, civilian staff, and community partners, we will work tirelessly to ensure public safety, build trust, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels secure and supported."
The Brantford Police Services Board extends its congratulations to Chief Saunders and expresses confidence in his leadership as he takes on this new role.
The members of the 2025 Brantford Police Services Board are:
Allan Lovett, Chair
Councillor Mandy Samwell, Vice-Chair
Krupesh Shah
Mayor Kevin Davis
Dan Houssar
Public Safety in Partnership with the Community