Peterborough Lakefield Community

Police Service

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

To Be The Best Police Service, Providing The Highest Standard OfProfessionalism In Partnership With Our Community

Our Vision

1850 – Formation of Peterborough Police Force when Peterborough incorporated as a town.

One of the oldest Police Services in North America.

Appointment of Chief Constable and four part time officers.

Inspector of wood, shingles, fur, bark and stone.

Responsible for weighing of all bread sold in the town of Peterborough.

1860’s – Public Order Function

Four additional full time members recruited to deal with rowdyism in Peterborough’s “Rum Rows.” (George, Hunter and Simcoe Streets)

Two block area with 10 liquor stores, 12 hotels, and six saloons.

Whiskey sold for $0.25 per gallon

1910 – Introduction of regular beat and bicycle patrols.

1920 – Purchase of first patrol automobile.

1921 – Purchase of first patrol motorcycle used to enforce town wide 12 miles per hour speed limit

1923 – First typewriter purchased by Police Force.

1930’s – Purchase of first police radio.

Separation of policing from politics.

Emphasis on rapid response to calls for service.

Use of preventive vehicle patrol as a means of crime deterrent.

Result – Disconnect between police and citizenry.

1952 – Introduction of school safety program.

1961 – Introduction of youth bureau.

Professional policing model continues until the 1970’s.

1978 – 17% year to year increase in reported crime.

Community Policing Model introduced with a return to the fundamental principles established by Sir Robert Peel in 1829 with the Metropolitan London Police Force.

Recognition that crime control is only one aspect of policing.

Increased emphasis on crime prevention, provision of social services, problem solving, and partnerships.

Use of innovative long term approaches.

Generalist Constable Approach

Introduction Of Team Policing

Dedicated Patrol Areas

Movement Toward Partnership With Other Agencies

Result - Significant Decrease In Reported Crimes

Crime prevention can be tackled by addressing the social determinants involved.

Necessity to form partnerships with human services experts.

Introduction of Community Policing Model required change in organizational culture reflected in:

◦ Recruiting

◦ Recognition

◦ Promotion

Today our members actively involved in at least 101 community organizations as:

◦ Board Members

◦ Committee Members

◦ Volunteers

Being at the table allows us to:

◦ Learn

◦ Participate

◦ Change Attitudes and Opinions

Peterborough Drug Strategy

Fourcast

Canadian Mental Health Association

Boards of Education

John Howard Society

Elizabeth Fry Society

New Canadians Centre

Corrections Canada

Provincial Probation and Parole

Recognition by police and community that drug problem has significant personal, social and economic implications.

2009 – Peterborough Drug Strategy adopts four pillar approach:

◦ Prevention◦ Harm Reduction◦ Treatment◦ Enforcement

Police often become front line mental health workers by default.

Volume of mental health related calls for service increasing dramatically.

108% increase in first quarter of 2011.

Significant demand on police resources.

Prior to 2007 enhanced mental health training restricted to scene commanders and designated crisis negotiators.

Front line training lacking.

2007 – Embarked on CIT Program in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association.

Today – 21 trained CIT officers and 18 scene commanders and crisis negotiators with enhanced mental health training.

CMHA Court Support and Diversion Program.

Tenant Selection Committee for CMHA Supportive Housing Program.

Partners in new mental health worker / police initiative.

Recognition that criminal justice system and incarceration are not always the best solution.

In addition to mental health diversion, we also support diversion programs involving:

◦ John Howard Society

◦ Elizabeth Fry Society

◦ Salvation Army

Three officers dedicated to elementary schools.

Two officers dedicated to secondary schools.

Involvement in protocol development.

Threat Assessment

Provincial Probation and Parole

Corrections Canada (Edmison House and CAC)

Sex Offender Registry

Peterborough Community Chaplaincy Transition House

Reduction In Number Of Court Appearances

Earlier Resolution

Onsite Legal Aid

Meaningful First Appearances

Direct Accountability

Support of all initiatives that promote:

◦ Functional Families

◦ Engaging Education

◦ Opportunity

◦ Inclusion

Enhanced Victim Assistance Staffing

Expansion of Pre-Charge Diversion Programs

Mental Health Court

Combined Mobile Outreach

Bail Support Program