County Council to review police services study at upcoming meeting

Cobourg, ON – September 13, 2024 – Northumberland County Council will review the results of a Police Services Review study at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024. StrategyCorp, the consultant engaged by the County to undertake this review, completed the study following a four-month process that kicked off in April.

As the Mayors of Northumberland, County Council requested this study to collectively assess current policing practices across Northumberland and explore potential future service delivery models. As local municipalities prepare for anticipated regional population growth of 35% over the next 25 years, findings from this study are intended to support informed decision-making around future policing services.

Currently, Northumberland municipalities are served by three distinct police services:

1. Cobourg Police Service (CPS): Serving the Town of Cobourg.
2. Port Hope Police Service (PHPS): Serving mainly the urban area of the Municipality of Port Hope.
3. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Serving the rural area of the Municipality of Port Hope, Hamilton Township, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Cramahe Township, the Municipality of Brighton, and the Municipality of Trent Hills.

The study being presented on September 18 evaluates existing service models – considering service levels, operational costs, and evolving community needs – and identifies options for future service delivery.

Following deliberations, County Council will decide whether to move forward with Phase 2 of this project, which would involve a full costing of alternative service delivery models identified in the study. Ultimately, any changes to local policing models would be at the discretion of each lower-tier municipality, with whom jurisdiction for police services resides.

To learn more about the Police Services Review study, and to access the report being presented on September 18, visit JoinIn.Northumberland.ca.

Members of the public and media interested in attending the September 18 meeting of County Council can do so either in person in Northumberland County Council Chambers, or virtually via Zoom or livestream. To view the full Council Agenda, please visit the Northumberland County website at Northumberland.ca/Council.

Meeting Details

Date: Wednesday, September 18th, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Northumberland County Council Chambers, 555 Courthouse Road, Cobourg
Livestream: Northumberland.ca/Council
Zoom: Zoom.com/Join
Meeting ID: 880 4415 1287
Passcode: 530582