Long-time police services board member Mayor Robert Quaiff listens to deputants at the council meeting on February 9, 2016. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The County is declaring that community safety and well-being be a priority.
Tuesday night council approved a community and well-being plan that will see a variety of agencies and organizations come together to develop solutions on how to reduce harm and victimization while increasing safety and well-being and reducing the demands for emergency responses.
Margaret Werkhoven, Chair of the Prince Edward Police Services Board along with Joan Pennefather, President of The County Community Foundation addressed council regarding plan.
Werkhoven told council how the board was granted $66,318.50 to fund crime prevention initiatives that are accessible to municipal police services as well as the Ontario Provincial Police through the ‘Building a Safer Ontario through Stronger Communities and Well-Being Planning’ Grant Program. It’s funded through the Ministry of Community of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
Werkhoven said that even though crime calls are down in the County, calls for assistance are going upwards. She said a large number are related to family and neighbour disputes, mental health and addictions.
“We want to reduce calls for service,” Werkhoven said. “People in the community want to make safety and well-being a reality.”
