Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Cobourg Police Chief Kai Liu brought council up to date Monday on the force’s latest three-year business plan that will take effect in 2019.
This involved listing the four areas of focus – safe and secure community, supportive and healthy workplace, service quality and value, and community engagement and partnership – along with actions planned to achieve optimal results in each one.
Information that helped shape the plan was gleaned with the assistance of an independent third-party professional firm through surveys of community organizations and businesses, as well as more than 270 local residents of all ages. There was also an internal survey within the force to help set priorities.
The province requires each police service to prepare an updated business plan at least every three years, Liu told council.
It also provides an opportunity to share statistics. He was particularly proud of a clearance rate that rose to 90% from 84% over the last four years.
Of survey respondents, 93% agreed Cobourg is a safe town to live in, he added.
“That’s a huge compliment to the men and women who collectively work to keep our town safe.”
Seventy-five per cent of respondents are satisfied with the services provided, he continued, and 90% expressed confidence in their police force.
Asked to identify their chief concerns, Liu listed the top five issues mentioned as drugs, mental-health issues, drinking and driving, residential break-ins, and speeding and aggressive driving.
Asked about the absence of news on the force’s corporate-services division (which provides the criminal background checks now required by so many businesses and community agencies for their employees and volunteers), Liu pointed out that this sector is viewed and operated on a business basis, as opposed to as another arm of the police force.
It is now headquartered apart from the police station, with an office in the new Venture 13 complex. In recent years, its gross revenue has grown from $310,000 to more than $2-million.
“It’s on track to exceed $3-million this year,” he said.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
