Windsor has been given approval to provide policing services to Amherstburg from the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.
The OCPC held public meetings and submissions on June 26.
“The Windsor Police Service is excited about the opportunity to provide policing services for the Town of Amherstburg,” said Windsor police Chief Al Frederick in a news release. “The Windsor Police Service is committed to providing the residents of Amherstburg the exceptional service they have come to expect, with numerous enhancements on the horizon.”
Windsor police say this decision marks the beginning of an important partnership that will benefit the citizens of both Windsor and Amherstburg.
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says residents will not notice a difference.
“The police in Amherstburg and Windsor been working together for years so this is more like an extension of what we've been doing,” says DiCarlo. “Now it’s just more of a formal structure.”
“The police services provided by Windsor to Amherstburg are the same officers in same cars patrolling the same streets,” adds Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The switchover will take place January 1, 2019.
Moving forward, Windsor police say they will continue to collaborate with the town and its residents to meet the policing expectations of the community and enhance public safety.
Amherstburg submitted the application on March 12.
It's estimated the 20-year contract could save the town as much as $16-million.
“In the end, with seamless transition and years down road, I think people will look back and say why didn't we do this sooner?” adds DiCarlo.
