NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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South Simcoe Police Service has been awarded a Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant to combat gun and gang violence.
Premier Doug Ford announced the allocation of the new, $6 million provincial fund made up of proceeds of crime at Queens Park on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020.
South Simcoe Police Service is among 16 law enforcement agencies across the province that will benefit from the grant money to be distributed over the next three years.
In Bradford and Innisfil, $295,000 will help equip our frontline officers with the education and training they need to better recognize signs of gang activity and gather the intelligence needed to zero in on the crime.
In addition, the service has hired a crime analyst to gather and analyze data in relation to trends and activity in relation to illegal gang activity.
The South Simcoe Police Service anti-gang and gun violence project is part of 21 province-wide crime prevention and community safety initiatives that also focus on human trafficking and sexual violence and harassment.
"We are both pleased and grateful to be included in the recipients of this new provincial fund. These grant funds will be used for pro-active initiatives to stem the overflow of gang violence into our communities. Our thanks to the provincial government for not only listening to our concerns, but acting upon them by means of funding this worthwhile project” - Deputy Chief Robin McElary-Downer:
The new provincial funds are in addition to the Community Safety Policing Grant previously awarded to South Simcoe Police Service. The three-year grant is being used to enhance invaluable, existing programs to support the community we serve.
They include:
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Our Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST). COAST partners a plain clothed officer who is crisis intervention trained with a Mental Health Crisis Worker in an unmarked police car. Together they provide intervention, support, and assistance to 911 calls for individuals experiencing crisis in the community due to mental health and/or addiction issues. They also follow up with individuals to provide additional local mental resources.
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Our Community Mobilization and Engagement Unit (CMEU). The mandate of CMEU is to build strong relationships with residents and stakeholders in order to prevent crime and empower the community. This grass roots approach is community policing at its best and serves to increase the safety and well-being of our residents, while engaging our community as active participants through ongoing solutions.
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