The March 20 Police Services Board meeting will include a presentation on gender-based violence and intimate-partner violence, which follows their January declaration that these forms of violence are an “epidemic.”
During the latest year on record, 2022, there were 3,227 intimate-partner violence occurrences reported in Greater Sudbury. The 10-year average is 3,036 incidents, which the city exceeded in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
As of March 12, the city’s full-time complement of staff included 283 sworn members (at their full authorized strength, which is slated to increase by 10 this summer), and 140 civilian members (two shy of their authorized strength).*
Selection is currently underway for their June intake at the Ontario Police College.
In other GSPS news, the police services received a poem from an anonymous community member recently as an offer of thanks for their service.
The poem, one of several pieces of correspondence to be reviewed during Wednesday's meeting, is included in the agenda to Wednesday’s police board meeting, and is as follows:
“In the city’s heart where echoes resound,
A tribute to heroes, noble and profound.
In blue uniforms, a steadfast creed,
Police, defenders of every need.
Through midnight streets and daylight’s glow
They stand guard, a vigilant row.
A shield against chaos, a beacon bright,
In the pursuit of justice, day and night.
Courageous hearts, in service sworn,
In the face of danger, they’re reborn.
With each step taken on the beat,
A commitment to keep our streets elite.
Beyond the badge, a human grace,
They navigate challenges, every trace.
In every call answered, every intervention,
A testament to their unwavering dedication.
Through storms of uncertainty and calm’s embrace,
They walk the line, protecting with grace.
An appreciation blooms, a heartfelt cheer,
For the police force, drawing near.
In the tapestry of community, they weave,
A narrative of valour, in every reprieve.
For the guardians in blue, a grateful sign,
In admiration for their service, in every line.”
The poem joins a couple other notes of praise for Greater Sudbury police, including one from Health Sciences North staff recognizing Const. Adam Ivanov for “helping them feel safe, supported and heard regarding an ongoing matter that was becoming volatile.”
The public Greater Sudbury Police Services Board meeting begins at 10 a.m. and can be attended in-person at police headquarters (190 Brady St.). The meeting is held on the fifth floor, which staff escort visitors to. The meeting can also be livestreamed on Zoom.
The Zoom meeting can be found by clicking here, the meeting ID is 874 5553 5165 and the passcode is 532854.
*Editor's note: This paragraph has been altered to reflect updated information provided by GSPS, including when the new authorized strength of 193 sworn members will come into play.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
