Northumberland Police Services Review
Consultation has concluded
At the request of Northumberland County Council, the County is undertaking a comprehensive review of police services delivered in Northumberland to ensure effective and affordable policing over the long-term as the community grows and changes. As the Mayors of Northumberland, County Council requested this review to collectively assess current policing practices across Northumberland and explore potential future service delivery models.
The County has retained the services of a third party – StrategyCorp – to undertake this review. With Northumberland expected to grow by 35 per cent over the next 25 years, to a population of 122,000, the review will produce recommendations designed to ensure that local police services are structured and equipped to respond to future needs.
Northumberland municipalities benefit from the expertise and professionalism of local police services, whose members are out in the community every day ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors. This review is about ensuring that policing in our community is positioned to thrive over the long-term. A final report will ensure that Northumberland municipalities have the information to make informed and intentional decisions about how best to safeguard community safety and security well into the future.
Update - County Council to review police services study at September 18, 2024 meeting
Northumberland County Council will review the results of a Police Services Review study at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024.
StrategyCorp completed this study following a four-month process that kicked off in April. The study evaluates existing police 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: 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.
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: Join online
Background
Northumberland municipalities currently rely on three distinct police services to maintain community safety and security:
- Cobourg Police Service (CPS): Serving the Town of Cobourg.
- Port Hope Police Service (PHPS): Primarily serving the urban area of the Municipality of Port Hope.
- Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Serving the rural area of the Municipality of Port Hope, along with Hamilton Township, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Cramahe Township, the Municipality of Brighton, and the Municipality of Trent Hills.
At the request of County Council, County staff is coordinating this comprehensive review in collaboration with all three police services and local municipalities. StrategyCorp will prepare a comprehensive report for County Council's consideration.
Scope of the Review
The review will encompass stakeholder interviews and a thorough evaluation of current policing service levels, operational costs, and existing revenue streams. The goal is to provide recommendations for future service delivery based on options ranging from maintaining existing service structures to consideration of a combined model.
Project Timeline
This review is expected to produce a comprehensive report for County Council in the second half of 2024.
About Policing Governance in Northumberland County
Governed by the Police Services Act, three Police Service Boards oversee policing in Northumberland. These boards provide civilian oversight for the respective jurisdictions policed by CPS, PHPS, and the OPP.
It is important to emphasize that local municipalities retain decision-making authority regarding the administration of policing services within their jurisdictions. As the Mayors of Northumberland, County Council has asked for a consolidated approach for this review, to be coordinated by the County. The final report will be delivered to Northumberland County Council and shared with area municipalities for their consideration.
We appreciate your interest in this initiative to ensure sustainable services for community safety and well-being over the long-term.
If you have any questions or comments, please email PoliceServicesReview@northumberland.ca.