By Police Chief Shawn Devine, North Bay responding to BayToday story OPP patrolling the streets of North Bay? Councillor says 'let's see'
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As city councillors and the general public prepare for a debate on an alternative service delivery model with respect to policing, I would like to set the record straight on the erroneous statement that was recently expressed by Councillor King. It is not often that I find myself compelled to respond to media reports especially when they cross into the political arena. However, I would like to address the following comment:
King also believes there are big changes on the horizon for 911 saying North Bay is “probably 20 years behind the curve” from a technology and service delivery standpoint.
The North Bay Police Service Communications Centre is a state-of-the-art, fully functioning, Next Generation 911 capable section of our progressive police service. In terms of its technology and preparedness, we are ahead of the curve (Text to 911 ready) and not behind in our capacity to respond to emergency calls for service in any way, shape or form. Our service delivery model is as efficient and professional as any in the province. For example, our Electronic Crown Brief (eBrief) capacity has put us at the forefront of emerging trends while the province moves toward compatibility on this front.
The North Bay Police Service provides a flexible and responsive policing service to its communities. It has consistently demonstrated its leadership abilities locally and at the provincial level through innovative programs that address issues related to mental health, addictions, Fentanyl abuse, and people in crisis. The citizens of North Bay and Callander are well served in every aspect of policing. We are committed to community safety and wellbeing and go far beyond our core functions as a professional organization.
As we prepared our 2017-2020 Strategic Business Plan, community partners were invited in March of 2017 to take part in a conversation about what policing should look like in North Bay and Callander. Every city councillor was invited to our roundtable discussions. Save and except for the Mayor, not one councillor accepted our invitation. The Taxpayers Coalition was also given the opportunity to participate and they too failed to attend.
Mayor and Council have every right to explore savings and efficiencies with respect to taxpayer funds, but to willingly put forth inaccurate and incorrect information into the public domain is disconcerting.
Respectfully,
Shawn Devine
Chief of Police
