Police Chief Dario Cecchin says the employees of the police service understand that council has the obligation to explore if policing can be done at a lower cost by OPP during a press conference in council chambers Tuesday morning. (Photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The entire Stirling-Rawdon police force has applied to join the Ontario Provincial Police if the detachment disbands in the near future.
In June, council voted to accept a police costing from the OPP at $1.5 million – a savings of $300,000 a year. The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has still yet to rule whether or not the move would provide adequate service.
In the meantime, Police Chief Dario Checcin said he and his nine officers were required to apply to the OPP and to his understanding they will be given positions locally or within the vicinity if they meet certain requirements.
The Municipal Policing Bureau is overseeing the job applications and is expected to make a decision by September. If the OCPC approves next month then training taking place in October and the OPP begin policing in January. If an OCPC decision is made later, the other option is training in February with an OPP takeover in the May/June period.
OPP Contract Analysis and transition coordinator Sgt. Peter Marshall said all of the police members will be taken as long as they are in good standing. If the move is approved, Sgt. Marshall will facilitate the transition from municipal service to OPP.
Sgt. Marshall said all of the Stirling-Rawdon force recently attended an info session on the move. He added the officers are very ‘well informed to the transition period.’
“The OPP is very accommodating in that they will keep the officers in Stirling if that is their choice,” said Sgt. Marshall. If they (officers) choose to move somewhere else in the province, they have the option.”
