(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
By Cecilia Nasmith/Northumberland 89.7 FM/Today’s Northumberland
One of the most recent successes of the Cobourg Police Service has been its Warrant Apprehension and Bail Compliance Project.
Chief Paul VandeGraaf shared details at the January Cobourg Police Services Board meeting on the project that began in November.
“The success was overwhelming,” VandeGraaf declared.
“The insight from the officers was that we should continue it over the Christmas-and-January period.”
Offering figures for Dec. 9 through Jan. 10, he mentioned 21 additional arrests made for outstanding warrants and bail-release violations. Six originated with other police jurisdictions, five of which were returned to those jurisdictions.
“I am hearing a lot of positive things from the citizens downtown,” board Vice-Chair Sean Graham agreed.
The Festive RIDE program wrapped up Jan. 2, gearing up on three weekends to stop more than 750 vehicles.
Since Jan. 2, he added, “we have already had three more impaired arrests. This is becoming a significant problem in our community and across Ontario.
“There are many opportunities for us to get home safely after a night of celebration, and I encourage you to access those.”
Continued feedback is positive for the increased police presence downtown, especially in those evening hours after stores close and the early mornings before they open. Over the first two weeks of January, they provided 21 additional downtown foot patrols during those key hours.
With ice on the frink, he added, “there is the usual problem for individuals moving there and inhibiting its lawful use by other people gathering there, those who want to enjoy the frink.”
The reported noted 45 property checks, 22 of which were at the new Northumberland County shelter at 310 Division St. Vandegraaf said that these responses always include taking time time “to connect with staff and any emergent issues, to address safety concerns – our core function is safety.”
The Community Bed program they collaborate on with the Canadian Centre For Addictions continues to sponsor stays at a local treatment facility – as the chief put it, “to encourage people to move to a better tomorrow. We are very proud of this program.”
There has been a recent review and update of the intake process, he added, and the program will continue in 2025.
Finally, VandeGraaf hopes everyone will support an upcoming event.
On March 9, Chair Adam Bureau will represent the board at the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics.
