Concerned citizen awaiting public consultation on town policing issue

I am writing to follow up on my letter dated Sept. 17, regarding the Town’s decision-making process in selecting a policing service provider for Amherstburg.

My original correspondence expressed concerns about the transparency of the process and the need for meaningful public consultation to ensure that all options, including the potential re-establishment of the Amherstburg Police Service, are evaluated with the community’s best interests in mind.

I had anticipated that, as stated by Mayor Prue, there would be proper public engagement and an open dialogue with residents before any decision is made. 

However, as of today, no substantial public consultation has been conducted nor has there been further communication on this critical matter. This raises concerns about the town council’s commitment to transparency and its willingness to meaningfully consider the feedback of Amherstburg residents on such an important issue.

The selection of a policing service provider is a decision that will profoundly affect our community’s safety, finances, and autonomy for years to come.

Opting for one provider over another, or deciding to re-establish the Amherstburg Police Service, requires comprehensive evaluation and input from all stakeholders’, a.k.a. Amherstburg residents. 

Failing to engage the public undermines the accountability that should underpin this process and risks alienating residents, who deserve a voice in decisions that directly affect them.

As a concerned citizen, I respectfully request that town council fulfill its commitment to public consultation by hosting community forums, surveys, or other accessible platforms where residents can express their opinions and learn about all viable options being considered; that all potential options — including the possibility of re-establishing the Amherstburg Police Service — be thoroughly evaluated and presented to the public with adequate detail regarding benefits, costs, and long-term implications; that the timeline and criteria for decision-making be clearly communicated to residents, ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and free from undue bias.

Finally, to further ensure transparency and accountability, I strongly encourage the Town to appoint a citizen “member-at-large” to serve on any committee or evaluation team created for this decision. 

This individual should possess a strong working knowledge of policing and serve as a neutral, community-focused representative who can advocate for a fair and balanced evaluation of all options. 

Including a citizen representative in the process will help build trust within the community and encourage open, informed dialogue.

I urge council to honor its promise to engage the public and to demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles by allowing residents to participate in shaping the future of policing services in our community. 

This decision is far too important to be made behind closed doors or rushed without proper consideration of all options.

—Frank Cleminson

Amherstburg

Concerned citizen awaiting public consultation on town policing issue