Dryden Council, staff and the public now have a good idea of what’s involved in any possible switch to Provincial Policing as OPP presented their costing proposal Wednesday night at the Centre.
A panel of four talked about the benefits, the services, the costing and the process of what they called amalgamation.
Sergeant Kelly Withrow says the total estimated policing cost for the City will be $4,754,660 a year during a three year transition period, with a one-time capital start-up of $663,066.
The total in the first year would be $5,417,666.
Withrow says that includes a $482,538 budget for Civilian staff including the addition of two court security officers, one court administrative officer, two detachment administrative clerks and a caretaker.
The figures presented Wednesday would require Council to make a decision within the next six months.
Withrow says the municipal cost will change and likely go down after the transition period, noting OPP use a formula to determine the cost.
Overall staffing levels would go up from a combined 62.6 uniformed and civilian officers to 66.6, with the proposal calling for the addition of 19-constables, 3-sergeants, a chief and an inspector.
The proposal includes a dedicated Community Services Officer who will be responsible for organizing community improvement events, school visits and educational campaigns.
In terms of housing officers, Facilities Manager Joy Fishpool indicated an internal review found that the existing OPP Detachment could be used if expanded.
The current Dryden Police Detachment can’t be used due to new provincial regulations on the proximity to railway and gas lines.
Fishpool says the estimated cost to the City to upgrade the OPP detachment is $160,000-$200,000, with an annual charge for the accommodation of officers.
Edward Chwastyk is the Detachment Commander in Dryden and he says officers will be placed in three zones, but will be able to respond to all calls, whether it be in the community, on the highway, Machin, Ignace or unincorporated areas.
Chwastyk says the OPP provide a number of innovative community services and staff and officers will be able to concentrate of specific community events.
Chwastyk promises a smooth transition, an enhancement of services, additional resources and a dedicated focus on community improvement.
He notes area detachments share resources and knowledge, giving Dryden more of a police presence.
Chwastyk stresses no matter what the decision, the OPP have always had and always will have a great working relationship with Dryden Police.
OPP also presented a recent survey on policing in the Dryden area.
It found that 98.9% of respondents are very satisfied or satisfied OPP with their safety in the Detachment area.
95.5% were very satisfied or satisfied with the quality of police service.
Here is the costing breakdown and the proposed coverage area:
Salaries and Benefits *Not Including Overtime
Total Uniform Staff: $3,565,035
Civilian Staff: $482,538
Support Staff: $406,184
Other Operating Expenses: $350,286
OPP Contract Proposal Initial Costs: $663,006
Year #1: $5,417,666
Year #2, #3, #4: $4,754,660
Coverage Area:
Proposed Zone Structure
1. West of Highway 603
2. City of Dryden
3. East of Highway 603
