Ontario Cracking Down on Crime in Peterborough

Pete Fisher
10 months ago
• Categories: Local

Province protecting local communities with proceeds seized from criminals.

The Ontario government is fighting back against crime in Peterborough by investing $167,000.00 in crime prevention initiatives. The funds, forfeited to the province as proceeds of crime following criminal prosecutions, will be used to support community safety projects by Peterborough Police Service.

“There is no better way to use the proceeds from crimes then using that money on prevention,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha.

“We are seeing a rise in hate related incidents, and it is unacceptable in our community. Everyone deserves the safety and assurances that they will not be targeted because of their beliefs, race, or sexual orientation.” MPP Smith added.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives across the province through the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing (POC-FLP) Grant program. Funding
through the POC-FLP will help Peterborough Police Service develop a deeper understanding of hate crimes and hate bias to create informed and efficient responses and strategies. This project
will include a Campaign designed to educate the Community with the distinction between hate bias and hate crime, streamline reporting protocols, as well as the role of law enforcement and
the collective accountability inherent in countering these issues. A comprehensive hate incident database will also be established.

“We’re using every tool including cash and proceeds seized from criminals to prevent crime and protect our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Thanks to the hard work of our
men and women in uniform, these funds are being reinvested back into communities to help support victims, educate youth and increase awareness about crimes such as gang violence and
hate.”

“On behalf of the Peterborough Police Service, I would like to thank the provincial government for awarding us this grant as it will allow us, as a Service and a community, to collaborate, learn, and
further address the hate bias and hate crime incidents experienced by our residents,” says Stuart Betts, Chief, Peterborough Police Service. “Not only will a comprehensive hate incident database
be developed but there will be ongoing training for all members of the Service and a public education campaign to inform members of our community about when and how to report to police
as well as the difference between a hate bias incident and a hate crime. It’s important for us to know when these types of incidents happen and that all residents continue to feel safe in reporting
them. Community safety is always our top priority, and we want to do everything we can to ensure a safe inclusive community for all.” Added Chief Stuart Betts.

QUICK FACTS
· Ontario is investing more than $1.7 million to help stop hate-motivated crimes across the province.

· In November 2023, the Ontario government introduced the Enhancing Access to Justice Act, 2023 that will, if passed, make it easier for more victims of crime to sue an offender for emotional distress.

· Ontario is fighting auto theft by investing $51 million over three years to help police identify and dismantle organized crime networks and put thieves behind bars. This includes $18 million to support new and enhanced crime-fighting measures.

· Ontario is investing $112 million to help police track and monitor repeat and violent offenders who are released on bail. This includes $24 million to help police services establish dedicated bail compliance and/or warrant apprehension teams and support new technology for a provincewide bail compliance monitoring system.