Anyone in Chatham-Kent affected by break and enters or vandalism will be pleased to know that local police are making it one of their top priorities over the next few years.
Police Chief Gary Conn presented the department's strategic plan for 2018 through 2020 at Tuesday's Police Services Board meeting. He said the three pillars of the plan are an emphasis on property crime, increasing road safety, and improving outcomes with mental health issues.
"We will continue to focus on our community commitment collaboration throughout all of Chatham-Kent," Conn said. "We will build on our community partnerships and initiatives while enhancing contact with all the members of our service."
Conn added the department will continue its work with the Fast Intervention Risk Specific Teams (FIRST) as a unique "ad hoc" model, which he said is the only one of its kind in the country.
According to Conn, the model incorporates a process to bring agencies together and develop intervention plans, based on risk analysis.
"Approximately 80% of our calls require a multisector and coordinated response," Conn said. "For example, social issues and not necessarily criminal issues. Only about 20% of our calls to service are actually criminal in nature."
Conn added the model will enable professional agencies within CK to proactively solve concerns while increasing overall community safety and well-being.
Conns said the last two business plans focus on embracing new technology, to assist with working more efficiently.
"This strategic plan will maintain our service as a technology innovation leader in the policing sector as we continue to utilize technology for the effective and efficient deployment of our officers," Conn said.
The implementation of the Mobile Date Program, P25 radio upgrades, new command post and CCTV monitoring for all police facilities were some of the key components of the strategic plan Conn listed.
He added the expansion of the On-Line reporting will incorporate a bicycle registry, property registry, and key-holder registry.
Conn said the department will continue to seek out new and innovative ways to reduce calls for service while serving the communities and their needs at the right time and in the right manner.
"We look forward to working closely together through community collaboration in achieving our mission of making Chatham-Kent the safest community in Ontario," he said.
