Cobourg Police Service receives grant to support the service’s strategic priorities over the next three years.
The Community Safety and Policing Grant will help address Homelessness, Mental Health, Addictions, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Honourable David Piccini, MPP Northumberland – Peterborough South, visited the Cobourg Police Service (CPS) on Monday, May 2, 2022, to announce that the Cobourg Police Service has
been awarded $859,285 in funding through the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s Community Safety and Policing Grant.
Under the provincial priorities funding stream, CPS was awarded $410,592 to continue the Homelessness Addictions Response Project (HARP). In addition, under the local priorities funding stream, the service was awarded $448,693 in funding to launch a Youth Mental Health Engagement and Response Team and for the integration of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles into day to day policing.
These funds, to be issued over the next three years, will help support the service’s strategic priorities under the service’s 2022 – 2025 Strategic Plan. The outcomes-based grants will provide CPS and the Cobourg Police Services Board with the ability to implement initiatives that address policing needs and priority risks related to safety and well-being.
With the overall focus on community safety and well-being, and increasing partnerships, the grants will allow CPS to:
• Strengthen collaborative community approaches in addressing challenges facing our community.
• Respond to the growing mental health and wellness needs of the community.
• Increase the number of new partnerships between the police and other industry sector experts.
• Enhancing integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles through policies, training programs, and hiring practices.
“I’m thrilled that the Government of Ontario is getting it done for the Cobourg Police Service,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “We’re delivering for Cobourg, ensuring the police service has the tools and resources they need to continue keeping our community secure.”
“This significant funding comes at a critical time for the service as we work towards the goals and outcomes in our new strategic plan. The impact of drugs, homelessness and mental health in our community have emerged as key priorities,” said Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service.
“The Community Safety and Policing Grant will better prepare us to maintain capacity, strengthen collaborative community approaches, and tackle new and emerging challenges through HARP and the new youth M-HEART initiative. With our commitment to enhancing community safety, accountability, and trust – an enhanced EDI strategy will build the cultural readiness for our members to have the tools they need to serve the community and thrive in their role.”
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
