Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens wants more police officers to focus on drug enforcement
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is angling for a new drug force in the city.
Dilkens tells AM800 News, he will bring forward a notice of motion at tonight's city council meeting requesting a $1.3-million special police unit focusing on drugs in the city core.
"If you're out selling drugs — we're coming to get you," says Dilkens.
The mayor says while the cost is significant, he feels the cost of keeping with the status quo is likely larger.
According to Dilkens, the "problem-oriented police unit" would have 12 officers to help tackle the illegal drug trade in the city.
"We're not sitting back," says Dilkens. "This is not acceptable behaviour and just because you have an addiction issue does not give you a licence to commit property crime and create a victim of somebody else."
Drugs, cash and cell phones seized by Windsor DIGS Unit April 5 2017 (photo via WPS)
Dilkens feels those dealing with the cycle of drug addiction are contributing to crime in the city.
"It's not okay to commit property crimes, to commit violent crimes to feed an addiction," says Dilkens. "There are services out there and available — we want to help people who are addicted."
Dilkens adds while the special unit would focus on the city's downtown, it could respond elsewhere in Windsor if needed.
The mayor feels the city can't sit on its hands waiting for those who need help to get it.
"While they're deciding whether or not to seek treatment, we're not going to sit back and let them victimize other people in our community. We want to be there, we want to increase the number of officers that are out there to help support our residents, to make sure that we know that their safety is important."
Dilkens adds while the special unit would focus on the city's downtown, it could respond elsewhere in Windsor if needed.
City council meets tonight at 6pm.
— with files from AM800's Kristylee Varley