Ontario Investing in Community Safety in Peterborough-Kawartha

Investing in Frontline Services and Reducing Crime through Two Initiatives

December 18th, 2019

Peterborough-Kawartha – The Ontario government announced that it is providing police services across the province with the resources they need to combat crime and keep communities safe by investing $195 million through the new Community Safety and Policing (CSP) Grant over the next three years.

Of this significant investment through the CSP, $1,991,442.00 will help the Peterborough Police Service.

  • $1,158,750.00 of the CSP Grant will establish The Special Victims Unit, which will focus on investigating crimes related to human trafficking, child exploitation, elder abuse, domestic violence as well as sexual violence and harassment. Staffed with a dedicated team, the unit’s goal will be to improve case management and ensure a better coordination of support services to victims. The team will also engage in enhanced awareness and prevention strategies with the community.
  • $832,692.00 will assist the Special Victims Unit staff the unit and acquire new data generation technology. Staff will be responsible for providing comprehensive case management and will support victims from the beginning of an investigation through to the end of the trial.

“Violent and organized crime isn’t restricted to the arbitrary boundaries of major urban centres like the GTA. We need to empower local forces and provide them with the resources they require to keep our community safe. I am proud to say that this funding is a major step forward in accomplishing that goal.” MPP Dave Smith said.  

“I am happy that the Peterborough Police Service is now in a position to focus our attention more efficiently towards the enforcement of Human Trafficking, and both Child and Elder Exploitation and Abuse, while also building on our community partnerships to improve the services provided to the victims of these horrific crimes,” says Inspector Neil Collins, Investigative Services Division, Peterborough Police Service

Secondly, MPP Smith is announcing that police services across Peterborough-Kawartha will receive a combined $59,655 for RIDE Programs. This investment is part of the government’s investment of $2.4 million that will enable a total of 172 police services across the province to carry out this important road safety mission throughout the year.

In the last decade in Ontario, more than 1,700 lives have been lost and over 25,000 people injured in collisions involving an impaired driver. With the legalization of recreational cannabis last year, roadside spot-checks have proven even more crucial.

“Impaired drivers, whether by drugs or alcohol, can be found on the road every single day — not just around the holidays,” said Solicitor General Jones. “It’s simple – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired – make alternative arrangements to get home. This single decision can save your life and the lives of others.”

“There are few actions as selfish as driving a motor vehicle while impaired. This callous disregard for the wellbeing of others has resulted in the needless destruction of many families. Our investment of 60,000 in the RIDE Program for our local police forces will improve their ability to root out impaired driving and protect our families.” MPP Dave Smith said.

“Impaired driving happens at all hours of the day and all days of the week. This increased funding will allow our Service to double the amount of vehicles checked in an effort to ensure our roads are safe for everyone,” says Traffic Sergeant Ryan Wilson, Peterborough Police Service.

Ride Program Funding Breakdown for Peterborough-Kawartha

  • Township of Douro-Dummer – $6,640.00
  • Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen – $6,640.00
  • Township of North Kawartha Township – $6,640.00
  • Township of Selwyn – $8,853.00
  • Municipality of Trent Lakes – $6,640.00
  • City of Peterborough – $24,242.00

QUICK FACTS

  • Police services will be required to report annually on the outcomes of initiatives, such as an increase in support for front-line officers and/or an increase in community safety and well-being, for both the local and provincial priorities funding streams of the CSP grant program.
  • Impaired driving penalties can vary depending on the driver’s age, licence type, the amount of alcohol or drugs in their system, and how many times they have been convicted.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MEDIA CONTACT

Action Centre

Tel: 705 742 3777

Email: dave.smithco@pc.ola.org

Address:

1123 Water St., Unit 4

Peterborough, ON K9H 3P7