The Windsor Police Service bid to take over policing in Amherstburg has been met by mixed reviews.
On Wednesday, the town held its first of four public consultations meetings to go over the proposal. Residents had a chance to asked questions and provide comments to Amherstburg officials along with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick and Deputy Police Chief Vince Power.
Some residents wanted to know why the OPP did not submit a bid while others were pleased with the bid from Windsor police.
Other questions focused on the process being rushed, cost savings, would current Amherstburg officers keep their jobs and what additional services would be provided to the town.
Frank Cleminson is a past chair with the Amherstburg Police Service Board and opposes the switch.
"They're accountable, they're our police," says Cleminson. "We got to keep them."
He believes Amherstburg Police deserve public support.
"They're always there for us and we need to be there for them," says Cleminson. "We have great officers, they do a great job, we can have the interaction, we can talk to our chief, we can talk to our deputy and we can get a positive feedback on any issue. You bring it to them, from speeding to an issue around a school, they answer all calls."
He says he has requested to see the RFP to see the budget breakdowns and has yet to see it.
"I want transparency," says Cleminson. "I want to know how they arrived at that number. I can't get there. I know all my hears on the budget, line by line. What I had for officers, their costs, our operating, our dispatch. I can't see how they arrived to this."
Another resident wondering why the OPP didn’t submit a bid. Most residents who have asked questions oppose the bid from @WindsorPolice. #cklw pic.twitter.com/GvRLV8Vt2s
— Rob Hindi (@rhindi800) January 18, 2018
He says he's heard from members of the community who want to keep local police.
"We want them to stay, we like what we have," says Cleminson. "We're willing to pay that. If you break it down to $3 a month for a resident or .17 cents an hour. We have a department that is reliable, we have a chief that does everything that we could ask for, plus."
The proposal submitted by Windsor police is for a five-year contracted police service, not an amalgamated service. All staff will keep their jobs except the chief and deputy chief positions, which will be eliminated and replaced with Staff Sergeants.
The town would save roughly $567,000 if it made the switch to Windsor police. Some additional enhancements would include K9 support, emergency tactical response, explosive disposal support, collision reconstruction expertise and in car drivers licence scanners.
The second public meeting is set for Thursday at 6pm at the Knights of Columbus on Walker Rd in McGregor. Town council is expected to make a final decision at its Friday, February 26, 2018 council meeting.
- With files from Kristylee Varley