Area of influence
Increased police presence around outreach centre to continue, chief tells council
Police will continue to knock on doors in the neighbourhood near the re-located community outreach centre in Charlottetown, with plans to spread outward.
Coun. Justin Muttart, who represents the outreach centre area, asked about the police’s work at the April 9 Charlottetown city council meeting.
Muttart said he has seen more cops in the streets around Park and Beach streets, and residents had told him about seeing more police, too.
“They do feel that increased presence and they’re requesting that that continue and not just be up-front loaded and as we move through the program over the next year that that dissipate due to the up-front loading.”
However, he asked Chief Brad Macconnell about plans in the coming months, suggesting police widen their outreach.
“I do feel that we’re generalizing that it is just Park Street and Beach Street generally when we have this topic, but it does expand further than that.”
Macconnell said the initial plans were to speak with people who live closest to the centre. That had gone well, and the police were committed to more outreach, he said.
“I’m happy so far with our efforts in that area. I think we’re receiving good feedback. But I think it’s not by accident. I think it’s because of the due diligence that’s gone into it and the planning. And we certainly appreciate the residents' support.”
In an interview after the meeting, Macconnell said the top concern police are hearing at the door is possible trespassing.
“I’ve asked my officers that are assigned to the area to make sure that we have the heartbeat of those communities by the hour, because we know that everyone was certainly optimistic this would go well, but also there was some unknowns.”
While some police are posted in the area of influence around the centre, any officer in Charlottetown can get calls to Park Street. So, anyone on duty is encouraged to check in at the area of influence between calls, Macconnell said.
The new site includes an extensive fence around the centre. While it’s too early to say what the full impact will be, it does seem to help police working on drug crime, Macconnell said.
FUTURE PLANS
Looking ahead, Prince Edward Island's population increases during the summer, which brings an uptick in police calls each year. The force will balance resources during this time, like every year, Macconnell said.
“We certainly don’t want to let our foot off the pedal on any of the issues and make sure we get the best outcome possible.”
Also down the line, the province has promised some kind of neighbourhood and government working group or round table that will try to help with resident concerns.
Macconnell didn’t have an update on this but said police would be involved, whether directly at the table or in a guidance role.
“I do feel that we’re generalizing that it is just Park Street and Beach Street generally when we have this topic, but it does expand further than that.”
Coun. Justin Muttart