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Three North Bay police projects get crime-fighting funding

SROs interact with local youth to promote a positive image of police in schools and engage youth in crime prevention strategies
20190129 north bay police logo basement turl
North Bay Police Service

Funding for a  North BaySchool Resource Officer (SRO) program that helps foster and maintain a "safe and non-threatening environment for students, staff, and community members" is one of three projects to receive funding under the"Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant program announced today.

The NBPS will get $618,878 for the program.

SROs interact with local youth to promote a positive image of police in schools and engage youth in crime prevention strategies.

"The SRO provides a visible and positive image of law enforcement. Officers provide lectures and presentations on issues like cyber-bullying, sexting, drug use, and sexual assault. They also encourage good relationships between police and youth, and between police and school administrations," says a government news release.

The Mobile Crisis Team will receive $309,183.

The team is a community-based partnership between the North Bay Regional Health Centre and the North Bay Police Service.

"The team is designed to respond to individuals or families experiencing mental health crises to reduce the immediate risk of danger to those individuals or other members in the community. The team can provide psychiatric assessments at the scene of the incident, allowing front-line officers to leave and attend to other priority calls. The Mobile Crisis Team allows for a coordinated response to mental health and addiction issues in the community and allows for more consistency when those facing crises are familiar with the responding members of the team," explains the release.

A third local project called "Gateway Hub" received $309,439.

The Gateway Hub is an evidence-based initiative that has challenged traditional roles and reactive responses for the City of North Bay and the District of Nipissing.

"It provides a frontline, multi-agency forum for identifying individuals and families who are at risk. To meet the unique and immediate needs of these individuals and families, the Gateway Hub addresses the complex and often risky situations through a multi-sectoral commitment to systemic engagement."

Meanwhile, the West Nipissing Police Services Board got a grant of $292,500 for a Community Safety Officer to address the opioid crisis, mental health strategy and community safety and Well-being.

"It will implement strategies to find new ways to intervene earlier for people at risk, seek training opportunities for police and agencies to enhance community safety and well-being,"

And the Temiskaming Shores Police Services Board receives $67,500 for enhanced drug and street crime enforcement.

"Through the Enhanced Drug and Street Crime Enforcement initiative, police will work with local groups such as Crime Stoppers, Victim Services Temiskaming, MADD, school boards, and the Temiskaming Youth Justice Committee to support efforts to prevent drug and street crime."

The Ontario government is spending more than $6 million over the next three years to help combat crime and build safer communities. The grant is supported with funds forfeited to the province during criminal prosecutions.

To see the full list, click here.


Jeff Turl

About the Author: Jeff Turl

Jeff is a veteran of the news biz. He's spent a lengthy career in TV, radio, print and online, covering both news and sports. He enjoys free time riding motorcycles and spoiling grandchildren.
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