Chatham-kent police to bid on servicing Leamington
After receiving the green light from municipal council, the Chatham-kent Police Service will move ahead with a bid to provide policing in Leamington.
The recommendation came during Monday's meeting, with a presentation from Chatham-kent police Chief Gary Conn. While he couldn't provide many details on the request for proposals due to confidentiality, Conn said that if CKPS is successful it would be for a five-year term and could provide overall efficiencies.
“Our service espouses the urban-rural policing model,” Conn said. “We have now, for over 22 years. As opposed to other services, which may have more of a concentration to rural policing, versus municipal or urban policing.”
In June, Leamington town council voted to give notice to terminate its contract with the OPP, effective June 10, 2021. The OPP had been providing policing services since December, 2010.
In September, Leamington issued the request for proposals. Over the past two months, the Chatham-kent Police Service along with two consultants have drafted a proposal, which includes level of service requirements and costs.
The proposal must be submitted by Friday, with the Municipality of Leamington planning to announce its decision by mid-january.
The bid was endorsed by the Chatham-kent Police Services board, but also required council approval.
If the bid is successful, Chatham-kent police would enter into negotiations to finalize a contract. Prior to entering into any agreement, Conn would be back before council with the final terms.
He said a larger tax base would allow for more of a shared cost of the service and that police intelligence itself would be enhanced.
“Crime recognizes no borders — we recognize that in the 21st century,” Conn said. “We currently deal with the influence of Leamington crime. That deals with property crime, drugs and organized crime.
“If we take responsibility of the area and the problems associated with Leamington, then we can effectively deal with the issues of mutual concern in a succinct and co-ordinated fashion.”
The chief added Leamington council would appoint an adviser to sit on the police services board, who wouldn't be a voting member, but would still provide regular input. “They can attend all of our open-session regular meetings, as well as attend some of our closed, as long as they're invited by the board chair,” Conn said.
“It is anticipated and expected that adviser will have an active and ongoing relationship with the detachment commander.”