Prince Edward OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. John Hatch says community safety is a prime focus in 2017. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
Community safety will be the focus of a new Street Crime Unit tasked with reducing illicit drugs and property crime in Prince Edward County.
New Prince Edward OPP Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. John Hatch presented an action plan to council Tuesday night outlining how a reduction in violent crime, property crime, illicit drugs, mental health calls and false alarms along with promoting highway safety will be the prime targets moving forward. Reducing victimization from cyber and/or technology enabled crime through engagement and education is also high on the list for the OPP.
2016 crime data shows officers responded to 114 assault, 91 break and enter, 142 theft under $5,000, 122 mischief, 117 fraud and 13 drug possession calls in the County. All slight decreases over 2015. There were five drug trafficking incidents in 2016, up from three in 2015.
Detachment Commander Hatch who has been on the job for almost two months said there has been a huge call from the public for an increase in community policing given a recent rash of break and enters. He revealed the Community Street Crime Unit will be starting up relatively soon.
He said the public has also expressed an interest in more community officers in schools which he stated will come into effect this September.
Staff Sgt. Hatch also touched on the Situation Table and how it has been a beacon in helping those suffering from mental health issues, resulting in a reduction in police calls.
A police board fixture since 2002, Mayor Robert Quaiff told Hatch he liked the direction in which he is taking the force.
A fully developed Community Safety Plan will be released soon.
