Council reviewing policing options

BY KAREN BEST

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - 05:00
Dunnville Chronicle

In a unanimous decision, Haldimand County council has decided to look for the best way to explore alternatives to a contract with Ontario Provincial Police.

Coun. Craig Grice tabled the motion at this week’s council committee meeting to give staff time to prepare a report on a framework for reviewing options for police services in the county. Staff are expected to complete the report by the April 16 committee meeting.

Corporate services general manager Karen General said a taskforce or public consultation can be options for the framework. Along with establishing the level of policing, the report will address creating a county police service and contracting with OPP or other police forces, she said.

In a search for candidate services, the county can opt to request expressions of interest or put out a request for proposals, said General. The staff report will also address time lines such as expiry of the contract on Sept. 30, 2008. OPP service will automatically end on Dec. 31, 2008, said General.

To opt out of the contract earlier, Haldimand County must give OPP one year’s written notice.

With financial and legal considerations, this could be a lengthy process, said General.

“We owe it to the public at least to investigate,” said Coun. Buck Sloat. He asked staff to turn over every possibility so the answers will be clearly in front of council members