(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
Is the latest video put out by Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf just a paid advertisement?
On Friday, November 22, 2025 on the Cobourg Police Services YouTube, a video was posted titled, “Chief VandeGraaf on the Evolving Value of Policing.”
The video was posted on the services Facebook site a day prior, but due to Today’s Northumberland being blocked from the site we had to wait until the video was posted on YouTube.
Never the less, the YouTube site that has 300 subscribers, says it has been viewed 90 times in 48-hours.
In the video that’s just over three minutes, VandeGraaf describes his life of a police officer over the past 35-years and how policing has changed.
No one would ever doubt that.
These are vastly different times from even a decade ago.
The courts, the time involved for investigations and with everyone having a cell phone/camera, police face a tough, tough job.
The frustration levels of being a police officer would be tremendous.
Watching the protests that happen every weekend in Toronto is one example of the abuse they take.
Just imagine if the millions of dollars spent on protests, could be put towards battling crime and getting guns, and illegal drugs off the streets.
To be fair, there is always the other side of the coin – police are paid well.
But VandeGraafs video, once again raises questions that will likely never see answers.
And with the Police Services Board – they are like ghosts. Won’t ask questions because it’s “operations,” but will praise them when it’s “operations.”
Today’s Northumberland sent a e-mail to VandeGraaf and Chair of the Cobourg Police Services Board Adam Bureau on Friday, November 21, 2025.
We wanted to know, who actually paid for the video or was it created in-house at the station?
Some of the video seems professional, while others – not so much. So it seems only reasonable to ask.
But with the Chief not responding and it looks like the Board refusing to ask – what are the taxpayers supposed to think?
VandeGraaf goes into detail to explain to the citizens of Cobourg, “how your investment in adequate and effective policing leads to better outcomes in 2025.”
In recent months the service has put out other videos that might be considered propaganda.
Is this one?
If the Chief wanted to get a message across, why not reach out to local media, and we’re not only referring only to Today’s Northumberland, but all media locally.
Unfortunately VandeGraaf’s police service has more questions than answers when it comes to the service.
But that has all been discussed in previous editorials.
For this, obviously the advertisement is about the budget increase of 20% and his explanation to the public.
But the video itself begs the question how much did it cost? Was it taxpayer funded?
If the taxpayers are funding the video, when getting the message across by way of local media would be free it only complicates the issue.
Not answering only adds to the mystery.
VandeGraaf speaks how a somewhat minor investigation takes over 52 hours with interviews, surveillance video, and investigating suspects.
Stating an exact number like “52 hours” might be out of the norm.
Some investigations may take that long, and some likely less.
Cobourg Police very rarely release images of suspects captured on surveillance to the public.
Other police services release images – why not Cobourg?
VandeGraaf certainly can’t say it would hurt – and it may help save time with the investigation, and in turn money.
Police constantly state the public are the eyes and ears of any police service, yet Cobourg Police pick and choose what releases to issue and that should be a major concern to the public they serve.
Numerous other police services also release the names of suspects – not Cobourg Police.
What he does state in the video advertisement that most members of the public would agree with – longer sentences for repeat offenders are needed as a deterrence and for public safety.
“Remember, the Cobourg Police Service are here to protect and serve you. We are an investment. It is your safety insurance. If that investment keeps you safe and criminals off the streets I think you would agree as I do, that your home, your family and you are worth the front line protection we provide to you 24/7.”
As long as VandeGraaf has been serving with the Cobourg Police, he has lived out of town and in an area serviced by the OPP. So not really sure how much weight to give that statement he said in the video.
It’s also understandable that most neighbourhoods of Cobourg may not see crime as much as the area between University Avenue, D’Arcy, Spring Streets.
That’s not to say there isn’t crime beyond those areas.
But if you don’t have interaction with the police, in terms of being a victim, then it might be hard to judge whether you’re satisfied with the service they deliver.
One point comes to mind that happened on Friday at Christmas Magic.
With hundreds of people at both Victoria Hall and then Rotary Harbourfront Rink, it seems there were very few police in attendance.
This doesn’t mean there needs to be a platoon, but it would have been nice to see more that one cruiser leading the parade of people from Victoria Hall to Rotary Harbourfront Park.
No senior staff that we saw. No Chief, no Deputy, again – that we saw.
There were more security onsite than police. A security vehicle was even blocking off Albert Street with its amber lights on for Christmas Magic. Usually police are the ones that block roadways, not security.
Not really sure what the Highway Traffic Act says about that.
In years past, Auxiliary members and/or Special Constables were clearly visible, but in all honesty, maybe we missed them.
But with the parade of the year coming up next week, it’s a safe bet we’ll see the Chief and senior staff walking down King Street waving at everyone lining the streets.
It’s just too bad they aren’t at other events – or maybe more propaganda videos are on the way and they were just too busy.
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
