It seems that even Tim Poole is opposed the keeping the Wingham police and is warning council if they don’t switch to OPP ASAP, they risk bankruptcy.
From the Agenda Package Page 380
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I mentioned above that culprits attempted to run over our officers. In those same attempts, our cruisers were severely damaged. Each time the repair was made within a couple months but this came at a major cost to the municipality/police service. Had the vehicles been written off, we would have to order a new one which can take up to sue months to come in and cost the municipality approximately $39,000. The OPP have a fleet of vehicles and it would be replaced from that fleet and there would be no additional cost in their budget,
Currently the OPP provide many policing features at no cost to the municipality. Our service is equipped to handle most instances however if we were to have another homicide or armed standoff, the OPP -would again have to be called in. The new PoUce Services Act -which will be coming into effect soon, has provisions for cross billing when services are supplied. A homicide similar to the one we had in 2010 (which was basically open and shut) could amount to a bill in excess of ($1,000,000 effectively bankrupting the service and municipality. In that investigation there were approximately 50 officers involved.
Council faces a very difficult decision. I hope that you are able to sort through the emotional wants of people and cater to the needs of the community.
Timothy W Poole Chief
