Regional police pick up a pair of award from Ontario Association

THE WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE Service has received two awards from the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award was presented to the WRPS for its response to the ongoing opioid crisis. To help raise awareness of the crisis, regional police partnered with the public health unit, paramedic services, school boards and the Waterloo Regional integrated drug strategy to create solutions to prevent crime and make their community safer, police said in a release.

The resulting drug strategy included the launch of social media campaigns, such as #TheNewFWord, more than 30 presentations by the drug and firearms unit to community groups and an action plan to address prevention, treatment, harm reduction and enforcement surrounding overdose issues.

“Waterloo Regional Police Service’s response to the opioid crisis is an excellent example of how law enforcement can bring different community groups together to address common goals,” said Greater Sudbury Police Chief Paul Pedersen, Chair of the OACP Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee. WRPS was also awarded the OACP Outstanding Liquor Enforcement Award for work done by its Oktoberfest policing unit in ensuring a safe and enjoyable 2017 Oktoberfest.

“The work of the Oktoberfest Policing Unit demonstrated the dedication of our members and partners to make Oktoberfest a safe experience for all who attended,” said Waterloo Regional Police Chief Bryan Larkin. “There is a lot of preparation that goes into planning for large events such as these and we are proud of the work done by everyone to ensure this popular event runs as smoothly as possible.”

The awards were presented on June 12 during the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police’s annual meeting in Huntsville.