Can a quarantine screening officer enter a home? Questions after Hamilton man charged with sexual assault
The arrest of a Hamilton quarantine screening officer charged with sexual assault and extortion is raising questions about what powers the officers have and what training they receive.
In a Wednesday news release, Halton police said they arrested a Hamilton man on Tuesday following an investigation into alleged sexual assault that occurred during a quarantine compliance check.
Police allege the accused, who is both a security guard and quarantine screening officer, visited a woman's residence in Oakville on Feb. 18 to ensure compliance with federal quarantine laws.
The accused informed the victim that they were in violation of the quarantine order and demanded that a fine be paid in cash," police said in a release. When the victim declined to pay, she was sexually assaulted by the accused."
Police have charged a man named Hemant (police said that's his full name), 27, of Hamilton with sexual assault and extortion.
For reasons police won't disclose, they are not releasing the name of the security company the man works for, but say he is now suspended. They confirmed his employer is one of four private security companies hired by the Public Health Agency of Canada to serve as designated screening officers under the Quarantine Act."
The Spectator asked the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) about these officers, the scope of their jobs and what a quarantine check involves:
Who are these quarantine screening officers?
Screening officers work for one of four third-party companies - The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, G4S Secure Solutions Canada Ltd., Garda Canada Security Corporation (GardaWorld) or Paladin Risk Solutions - hired by PHAC last month to conduct in-person visits. They must be licensed guards and have a valid police background check. Their training involves taking online courses relating to the Quarantine Act and what their role involves. They must also pass an exam.
These screening officers started conducting in-person compliance visits in Toronto and Montreal on Jan. 29, 2021, and elsewhere in Canada on Feb. 15. RCMP and other law enforcement agencies also conduct compliance checks.
What is involved in a quarantine compliance check and who gets them?
Anyone entering Canada who is required by law to self-isolate for 14 days could be subject to a compliance check. During a check, screening officers introduce themselves, show company identification and ask to speak to the traveller by name. They may be wearing company attire and may be driving a security company car," PHAC says. Officers will ask travellers for government-issued identification to confirm their identity. Officers will then ask travellers questions to assess compliance with quarantine requirements.
They will take a photo of the person's home to show proof of their visit, just like parcel delivery companies do," PHAC says.
Can a screening officer enter a home?
No. All interactions between officers and travellers must take place outside.
Can officers issue fines?
No. A screening officer's job is to establish contact, confirm identify and confirm that travellers are at the place of quarantine identified upon entry into Canada. They may provide compliance education or issue verbal warnings. Any cases that warrant a stronger enforcement action will be referred to PHAC and the agency will refer the case to law enforcement for followup," PHAC says.
-With files from the Canadian Press
Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com