Dryden Police Association representatives have digested all of the information presented at Wednesday’s OPP Costing meeting and are now speaking out on behalf of their members.
The President of the Dryden Police Association has some concerns surrounding the proposal.
Scott Silver says he’s pretty sure that their police service is competitive right now.
While the OPP provide a number of community services and programs, Silver says the Dryden Police initiatives are unique and hit close to home.
Silver says he believes the current formula and strong relationship with the OPP works well for the community.
In terms of costing, Silver points out the Dryden Police budget for next year is roughly $3.9-million, compared to the first year $5.4-presented by OPP to Council.
Ann Tkachyk is the President of the Seniors Officer Police Association.
Tkachyk says the Provincial Police did provide an honest presentation Wednesday and she’s thankful for that.
However, she has concerns about the proposal.
Tkachyk notes after the three year period, Council might not know the cost for year four or five.
She says at that point it will be too late and Council will have lost control of their ability to negotiate through the Police Services Board.
Tkachyk says the costing proposal doesn’t properly represent salaries and benefits, noting the OPP is guaranteeing 24-police officers, while Dryden Police are currently staffing 20 on a lower budget.
Tkachyk notes she also doesn’t like the word “amalgamation” as she’s seen cases where some officers weren’t part of the transition to a provincial police force.
She says in 2018, the Midland, West Nippissing and Espanola Police Services disbanded and through the screening process all staff had to apply for jobs.
Tkachyk says there is no guarantee for jobs and the process is very, very strict with respect to the screening of applicants.
She also agrees that the Provincial Police do offer a number of valuable services and resources.
However, Tkachyk points to a deal reached in 2005 that gives Dryden Police the same services.
She says they entered into the agreement so that they would have access to the same specialized services such as Canine, Tactical Unit, Bomb Disposal and Crisis Negotiation.
Tkachyk notes there are about 13 different services under the schedule.
She is asking Council to not move forward with the OPP costing study.
To hear more, visit the Audio link below.
