Policing in Amherstburg is once again being discussed in the town.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission is holding scheduled public meetings and submissions at The Libro Centre from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
The meetings are part of the application for Windsor police to take over Amerstburg's police services Jan. 1, 2019.
The town submitted the application on March 12.
It's estimated the 20-year contract could save the town as much as $16-million.
However the commission must determine the proposal will ensure adequate and effective policing services. No timeline was given for a decision, but town officials expect one within 30 to 60 days.
Resident Nancy Atkinson spoke out against the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting.
“We don't need this,” said Atkinson. “If the savings only amount to $65 per household per year, the taxpayers have made it clear, they're willing to pay that.”
George Kritiotis doesn't think the savings are necessary, even if the town will have access to the K9 and explosive device police units.
“Small town policing is imperative to all cities,” said Kritiotis. “We are the safest run police service in Ontario and we are the safest community in Canada.”
The Windsor Police Service is currently under investigation by a separate arm of the OCPC over its internal hiring practices. Police Chief Al Frederick doesn't believe it will derail the Amherstburg deal.
