Freedom isn’t free and safety is expensive, but justice is invaluable.
That was the thrust of an address by Belleville’s Chief of Police Murray Rodd Wednesday as
he spoke to over 100 members of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting at Sans Souci.
Rodd said calls for service have been trending up over the past five years as have crimes against property
and crimes against persons, spurring the need for the recent hiring of several new officers.
Rodd told Quinte News that the illegal drug trade, especially opioids, was behind a lot of the community’s problems.
“Drugs are driving a lot of the human condition issues that we’re seeing on the streets. People are preying on the misery of those with mental illness and who are escaping poverty.”
Chief Rodd says more investment to combat the drug trade can be expected in the future. As well, an extra officer has been assigned to focus on the Downtown District following the disbandment of the Welcoming Streets Team due to its funding being withdrawn.
Despite the police budget increasing by almost 11 per cent, Rodd told Quinte News that the community supports the service.
“No we haven’t heard anything from anybody. They’ve been silent and we accept that as understanding but every chance I get to come in front of people who are big spenders, supporters, and taxpayers, I like them to understand they’re getting value for money and they can be proud of their service.”
Rodd became Belleville’s Chief of Police in September after over 35 years with the Peterborough Police Service where his last position was that of chief. He’s been awarded for his police work and has also served many years as a member of the Canadian Forces Reserve involved with Army Cadets, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Rodd has been familiar with Belleville for years, having served as a cadet with the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment in Peterborough and visiting here regularly for training and parades. His first visit to Belleville was as a 13-year-old cadet.
He told chamber members, “The police are the public and the public are the police. We can only be as effective as the public allows us to be. We need the cooperation of the public.”
Rodd said that since taking the chief position he’s been very impressed with both the uniformed and civilian members of the service.
“You can be proud of your service. Our officers on the streets are dealing with complex issues and they’re doing it right.”
Recent statistics show that officers have used physical force in less than 0.1 per cent of calls involving an arrest.
“That’s excellent because the more physical force we use, the less the general public will support us.”
Meanwhile, the Belleville Police Services Advisory Board continues to ask for public input as it works to create an updated strategic plan to guide the service for the next few years.
A public survey on policing remains online until April 9 and Friday the board is hosting a second round table with community stakeholders.
Here is a link to the survey.
An open house to solicit public input will be scheduled for some time in April.
