Dryden Police Communication Centre Closing

Dispatch and communications service for Dryden Police and the City of Dryden will soon be run by the Owen Sound Police Service.
The Police Services Board has decided to close the Communications Centre effective March 31st, 2014.
The move is subject to Ontario Civilian Police Commission approval.
Chief Rob Davis says they have been looking at cost saving measures for months as per City direction.
Davis says expensive upgrades and new technology brought in to allow for out-sourcing factored into their decision.
The move will result in the loss of 9 full time and 4 part time positions.
Davis says there will be significant cost savings, but can’t give an exact number right now.
He notes they are in the middle of contract negotiations and severance packages and other awards may have to be paid out at the beginning.
Davis says the Police Service currently spends roughly $700,000 for those staff members.
Davis says residents won’t see much change with the relocation of Com. services to Owen Sound.
He notes they have the technology to handle calls remotely and have become a major player in the police and communications industry in recent years.