Make it work with Windsor or re-establish Amherstburg police - says reader

As a lifelong resident of Amherstburg, my family living in this community for generations, I would like to say that we have been very fortunate to live in this great historic, beautiful and safe town, and I have always been proud to call it my home.

Amherstburg is widely recognized as one of the safest communities in Canada, boasting exceptionally low crime rates. While the town currently has Windsor Police Service, this contract will officially end in 2028, and this brings us to a question of safety vs. spending.

Eight years ago when the town made the decision to switch from our local police to Windsor police, we were promised that it would save taxpayers money and keep the same level of service. There was a lot of resistance to the change at first, but the Windsor Police have kept crime rates low, their officers have maintained a respectable presence and kept that hometown feel in Amherstburg, and the residents feel safe. Now, here we are, just over two years away from moving to something different.

Switching to the OPP in a small town often results in a perceived reduction in visible police presence and community connection because the OPP typically operates under a broader regional model, meaning fewer officers are dedicated solely to routine neighborhood patrols and local civic events. This is not intended as criticism of the OPP. They are doing their job, but their geographical scope is broad and this carries consequences.

The numbers that have been suggested for the cost of the OPP service being implemented seem to be arguably low, and of course the cost to us, the taxpayer, for a newly created Amherstburg service are very high. In my view, the situation is this: OPP would come at a low cost (at first, anyway) and at a low service level and we will not see the presence and availability of that police service as we are accustomed to, and this is very troubling. 

This is not to belittle the OPP but just acknowledging the obvious: the geographical reality means that availability will not be what we need it to be and not what we have become accustomed to, in order to keep the town a safe place for all residents. It seems the message being sent to our families is that money is most important.

All of this seems contradictory when we see the new fire hall being built and the large expense of that project; residents are in favor of having a solid fire service, and I am sure want the same in a police force for their own personal safety and low crime rates.

We should be assertively trying to negotiate a reasonable deal with Windsor Police Service. This is not to say that we should throw taxpayer money around frivolously, as we are overspending in countless areas of service in this town. 

Most town spending needs to be seriously adjusted and scrutinized, however, policing is an area that should be at a cost that reflects what we need to sustain that hometown level of safety, coverage and confidence.  

Making it work with Windsor police, or investing in a new Amherstburg service would be best for our community. The residents will not be happy to suffer the consequences of poor decision-making by the leadership. 

Trust is paramount. We need insightful and smart leadership at the political and administrative levels to ensure that spending budgets are consistent with our principles. It is a high priority to ensure that residents are protected and taken care of correctly and fairly, with the safety we all deserve.

—Joe Shaw

Amherstburg

Make it work with Windsor or re-establish Amherstburg police - says reader