​OPP addresses false claims in Huron County

(LONDON, ON) - The OPP is aware of an on-line article that was circulating April 1, falsely claiming that a state of emergency had been declared in Huron County.

The article alleged that the detachment commander, five senior officers and 21 uniformed members were arrested and that policing responsibility for the community had been assumed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The information contained in this article was entirely untrue.

While the article may have been intended as an April Fools' Day joke, the OPP considers this type of content to be inappropriate and irresponsible, particularly when it mimics legitimate news reporting with the potential to cause unnecessary concern in the community. Alleging police officers have been charged affects public trust and confidence, as well as public safety.

To be clear, no state of emergency was declared in Huron County. No OPP or municipal council members have been arrested and the RCMP has not assumed control of OPP operations. The OPP continues to provide policing services in Huron County without interruption.

Even content presented as humour can have real-world consequences.

Members of the public are encouraged to verify information through official sources. Accurate information about the OPP can be found at opp.ca and official OPP social media accounts.