Association raises concern about levels of policing in Timmins

Article content

Timmins Police Association is going public with concerns about fewer officers patrolling the streets of the community.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Association raises concern about levels of policing in Timmins Back to video

The association issued a press release Nov. 20 indicating due to retention issues plaguing Timmins Police Service, there simply aren’t enough officers to effectively police the City of Timmins.

According to the release, the association, which represents both uniform and civilian members, will be requesting the assistance of the Ontario Civilian Police Commission to address their claims the citizens of Timmins are no longer receiving adequate levels of policing in any area, which in turn is creating real public and officer safety concerns.

The association held a meeting on Nov. 14, where 91.5 per cent of members voted in favour of seeking some outside assistance in addressing the personnel crisis and inherent public and officer safety concerns given the lack of effective levels of policing.

According to the release, the issue is there simply aren’t enough officers to do the job.

During the past two years, Timmins Police Service has been unable to retain staff and as a result has had to deplete several important units such as the Drug Unit and the Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team, as well as the Traffic and Community Policing divisions, in an attempt to maintain minimum levels in general patrol.

With no other areas left to pull from, the association is concerned Timmins Police Service is now struggling to maintain even the bare minimum levels of policing required. As a result, the association feels it has no choice but to ask for outside help.

The association’s release points out the reasons that fueled the current retention crisis date back to before newly retired Chief Daniel Foy took office and it is not believed his departure alone will mitigate further officers from leaving.

Luc Lamarche, president of the association, said, “For the past couple of years the police service has relied on our members working unsustainable hours of overtime and depleting other key specialized units in order to maintain effective policing levels.

“With retention still being a huge issue and our members being exhausted and overworked for far too long, there simply aren’t enough resources to effectively police this community any longer.”

According to the release, the association has worked tirelessly with both the Timmins Police Services Board and administration within the Timmins Police Service over the last couple of years, but those efforts have not delivered the necessary outcomes.

“Timmins Police Association has been sounding the alarm bells with both the board and administration for the past couple of years and we are frustrated with the lack of urgency this personnel crisis has been given,” Lamarche said.

“There are still several officers looking at leaving Timmins Police Service for other opportunities and with impending retirements coming up in 2024, Timmins Police Association fears even with the ongoing recruitment efforts there soon may not be an officer available when a call for help is made.

“We cannot in good conscience allow ourselves to get to the point where someone calls for help and nobody is available to respond. That is why we are now asking the Ontario Civilian Police Commission for help.

“The safety of our community and of our members is paramount and is currently gravely at risk.”

According to the release, the association does not place any blame for the inadequacies in the levels of policing on its members and commends the women and men who have continued to show professionalism and provide the best possible policing to the community given these trying times.

“Both our uniform and civilian members have been stretched to their limits and yet have maintained the best level of service possible for this community,” Lamarche said.

“We truly appreciate the support received from the public and hope that support remains as we attempt to get further assistance for both the community and our members.”

The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has a broad mandate which includes the duty to ensure that police service boards are providing sufficient oversight of police services in a manner that ensures adequate and effective police services in the community and that police service boards maintain public confidence in the delivery of policing.

In order to adhere to its mandate, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission may investigate and inquire into the conduct or work performance of police officers, chiefs of police, members of local police services boards, auxiliary members of a police service, special constables and municipal law enforcement officers.