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OPP expected to take over policing in Orangeville by October

January 16, 2020   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Baker

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) expects to be in a position to take over policing services in Orangeville by Oct. 1. 

In a report delivered to Council on Monday (Jan. 13), Orangeville CAO Ed Brennan noted town staff have been in constant communication with OPP and Orangeville Police Service (OPS) officials in recent weeks as all parties work to ensure the transition from service to service is as seamless as possible.

Back on Dec. 2, following a year-long review of policing options within the community, Council voted 6 to 1 in favour of disbanding the 155-year-old OPS in favour of adopting a policing model run by the OPP. It has been estimated that the Town will save as much as $58 million by 2036 by transitioning to the provincial force. 

As a part of the transition process, Mr. Brennan noted the Town was offering support to both uniformed and civilian members of OPS in the way of human resource assistance, career transition support and pension briefings. On Tuesday, the OPP held information sessions for all OPS employees to go over next steps, with the focus, presumably, centering on career opportunities with the OPP. 

Town staff is continuing to prepare the documentation required to officially request for disbandment of OPS through the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC). Mr. Brennan expects that paperwork to be submitted by mid-February at the absolute latest. A decision from OCPC is expected to be handed down by May. 

In his report to Council, Mr. Brennan expects OPP to be in a position to start hiring the uniformed and civilian members that will look after policing services in Orangeville by June. The OPS officers who will be transitioning to the OPP will begin a four-week training course at the OPP headquarters in Orillia in October. During that period, other out-of-town members of the OPP will police Orangeville. It’s expected officer training will be complete by Oct. 30. 

It was noted by Deputy Mayor Andy Macintosh on Monday (Jan. 13) that the OPP has starting talking to members of the OPS’ Auxiliary unit about potentially being taken on by the Dufferin OPP Auxiliary unit. Auxiliary officers are, typically, a part-time volunteer support network that police forces call on for special events, emergency situations and general patrol. According to the OPS website, the local force currently has three auxiliary members. 

“I’m very glad to see the OPP talking to our auxiliary members. There was some concern from the public about what would happen to that unit during this transition, so I’m happy to see it’s going to be a part of the process,” Deputy Mayor Macintosh said.

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