IHARC Outreach has temporarily suspended operations after its founder, Jordan Stevenson-Smith, was charged following a Cobourg police investigation connected to a medical emergency response earlier this month.
Cobourg police say the Criminal Investigation Bureau launched an investigation in mid May after learning a man allegedly attended a private residence during a medical emergency while presenting himself as a first responder.
Police allege the man entered the residence without the homeowner’s permission and provided medical assistance before leaving once paramedics arrived. Investigators also allege the individual became aware of the emergency by monitoring first responder radio communications.
On May 27, police executed a search warrant at a Port Hope residence before arresting 28 year old Jordan Stevenson-Smith without incident.
He is charged with unlawfully being in a dwelling house and personating a peace officer.
Police identified Stevenson-Smith as the operator of IHARC Outreach, an organization known locally for outreach work involving homelessness, addiction, mental health, and crisis response support.
IHARC grew out of earlier community outreach initiatives connected to the “Buddy Bus,” a grassroots support effort that focused on providing food, supplies, transportation assistance, and direct outreach to vulnerable individuals across Northumberland County. Over time, the organization expanded into broader street outreach and crisis support services aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness, isolation, addiction, and system navigation challenges.
In a public statement released Thursday, Stevenson-Smith said IHARC services are now suspended until further notice after police seized operational equipment including phones, laptops, tablets, and body cameras.
Stevenson-Smith stated he attended the medical emergency after becoming aware of a nearby person reportedly without vital signs and said he assisted until emergency crews arrived.
He also emphasized that IHARC “is not a police service” and does not enforce laws or represent itself as law enforcement.
Because the matter is now before the courts, Stevenson-Smith said legal counsel has advised him to limit further public comment.
The suspension of IHARC services is expected to impact outreach supports used by some vulnerable residents across the region.
Cobourg police say Stevenson-Smith was released with conditions and is scheduled to appear in court at a future date.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
