Police Get Real Results – Less Crime is Evidence of Effective Policing

Effective and successful policing results in less crime,safer communities, and lower overall costs for everyone. That is the reason
why communities have professional police and members of the Owen Sound Police Service strive to meet that expectation each day.

Reduced crime statistics is just one of the key measuring sticks demonstrating our effectiveness. For example, it was suggested that there
are too many RIDE checks and other forms of traffic enforcement within the city. RIDE checks are a core function of policing, a proven
deterrent,leading to a reduction in impaired driving charges and more importantly,reducing injuries and death while assisting
in keeping the public safe. This is a real and desirable outcome that quite frankly, is priceless for everyone.

Fact:Effective policing reduce scrime and associated costs.Educated and trained to high standards, our members reduce the likelihood
of crime, through traditional police work, as well as utilizing alternative measures, public education programs, and other proactive
initiatives designed to keep our community safe.

Fact:Police must deal not only with crime,but with other societal problems. Polic eare now the agency of first call and last resort in
most communities.Compensation and associated costs for professional policing reflects the necessary education, training, equipment
and resources to meet the demands and expectations of our community.

Fact:Policing has changed.Policing is different from other occupations and it is also different from what it was just a decade
ago.Crime can be more sophisticated and complex, as regulations and requirements make it costlier to bring an offender through the
justice system.

Fact:Our police service is operating at the same budget levels as 2008. We continue to work to offset our budget costs by finding
efficiencies, such as obtaining outside police and fire communication contracts while generating revenue over $1 million/year. These
efficiencies help keep our community safe while reducing our budget expenses at the same time.

Fact:There has never been an arbitrated settlement in the 157-year history of the Owen Sound Police Service. Policing is considered
an essential service as police cannot strike. Occasionally arbitrators have to come in to help settle contracts throughout the
Province.The ability of a community to pay, consideration for the economic situation of the municipality and the Province are already
contained within the Police Services Act. The system works well and is far from broken.

Conclusion: Our members continue to demonstrate real leadership while seeking effective and efficient ways to deliver policing without
compromising the safety of our community or police personnel. We continue to work with our partners at the local, provincial and
national level to find efficiencies.We all want to live, work, and play in safe communities. The Owen Sound Police Service
contributes real results and value delivering a safe, prosperous, and cost effective community. Less crime is evidence of effective
policing. We are part of the solution.

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