The Hanover Trails ‘Eyes and Ears’ initiative is underway again after a successful inaugural year.
It was the outcome from public input and meetings facilitated by the Town of Hanover and Hanover Police Service.
16 confirmed community volunteers who became eyes and ears reporting various occurrences to the Town and Police in order to make trails safer.
In addition, Hanover Police Service re-introduced their bike patrol unit last year with officers providing dedicated patrol hours on trails, in the downtown core and parks.
Occurrences reported to Town staff experienced a monthly decrease with the introduction of the initiative.
The volunteers involved reported they were visible on all sections of the trails for a minimum of 40 hours per week between May and November. Many of the volunteers are on the trails daily.
The Police Service investigated 18 police incidents on the trails and parks related to found property, suspicious persons, mischief, liquor infractions, animal complaints and recovered stolen property.
A successful provincial grant submission was awarded to the Hanover Police Service for $22,500 per year for a 3-year commitment that will see Hanover officers dedicated to bike and foot patrol in the Downtown, on the trails, and in the parks.
In 2020, HPS has added 1 additional officer to the bike patrol unit increasing the unit to 7 members.
“This initiative is an excellent example of our engaged citizens working in collaboration with the Town of Hanover and the Hanover Police Service to identify community concerns and formulate a meaningful action plan that continues to result in positive and measurable outcomes. Together, we will ensure our community remains safer and more secure”, stated Chief Knoll.
Volunteers wear red and either a ball cap, t-shirt, vest, or jacket with the Town logo. “I’m grateful for the commitment of our trail volunteers for this initiative that is an excellent example of resident engagement and partnership”, shared Mayor Sue Paterson. “The establishment of the Eyes and Ears Volunteer program garnered a lot of public interest and rallied our residents after safety concerns were raised. The result has been positive public engagement and a safer community.”
The Town is seeking more individuals who would like to be considered for the Trails ‘Eyes and Ears’ volunteer initiative.
