The OPP reports that the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) Squad arrested 1,213 high-risk offenders throughout Ontario in 2023, surpassed the 1,141 arrests made in 2022.
In addition to this, the ROPE Squad seized 17 illegal firearms and substantial quantities of illicit drugs last year.
"Recent events, including a number of homicides, have demonstrated that high-risk offenders pose serious risks to public and officer safety," said Paul Mackey, chief of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
"Through a strategic, province-wide and multi-agency approach, the ROPE Squad aggressively locates and apprehends the most dangerous offenders in our province. On behalf of OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, thank you to ROPE Squad members for your unparalleled commitment to upholding the law and improving public safety."
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 $48 million in funding 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 those who breach bail or release conditions and pose a risk to public safety.
Anyone with information about an offender who's unlawfully at large is encouraged to call their police service of jurisdiction. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (3477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
