Several downtown merchants have led the charge to help provide a more visible police presence in the village.
In a few weeks there will be an official ribbon cutting for the Downtown Community Policing Office in Belleville
Acting Police Chief Chris Barry tells Quinte News this was a grassroots effort.
“Some prominent business members in our community, downtown merchants brought forward. We were very lucky in that Paul Dinkel of Dinkel’s 0ffered up the space. The DBIA contributed, as did some of the business owners, to renovating the office space down there.”
Community Resource Officers Josh Woodcock and Aaron Crawford will spend a large amount of their time in the office. Auxiliary Officers will also have the opportunity to work out of the site.
Other members of the Belleville Police Service will also be able to utilize the office, at 211 Front Street, just north of Bridge Street East.
“Things like the Lock It Or Lose It Campaign and just being visible in our downtown area for crime prevention programs. Just our general officers, our patrol officers, it’s a place for them to go now, parking spot, go in and do their paperwork and it’s an opportunity for a lot of interaction with the residents and business owners downtown when they’re doing that.”
The Acting Chief says other than some tech and equipment, very few BPS resources had to be directed towards the office.
“Very little cost to the taxpayer for this and we’re very lucky that we’ve got the support of our downtown merchants.”
Chief Barry finished by stating that their roles will be an extension of what they already have as priorities.
“We have a significant problem with those suffering from homelessness and addictions, I don’t think that’s a secret. The community’s spoken out quite loudly that they really, really want to see our officers as much as they can.”
No official ribbon cutting date has been given for the office opening.
