Hastings Highlands Council does not want to see the local OPP detachment amalgamated.
Information about the potential amalgamation of the Bancroft and Central Hastings OPP detachments was presented to Hastings Highlands Council during today’s meeting. The Bancroft & Area Community Policing Advisory Committee put forward a report about the potential negative impacts the merger could have. These include longer response times, and the loss of the detachment commander.
Committee Chair and Hastings Highlands Deputy Mayor Gregg Roberts says the detachment amalgamation could also hurt the economy in North Hastings.
Roberts is encouraging you to email the OPP’s East Region Headquarters to weigh-in on the issue.
Meanwhile, Councillor Tracy Hagar has also put forward a motion to have the municipality send a letter to the OPP about its concerns.
Hagar would like Hastings Highlands to be involved in the OPP’s review of the detachments.
Earlier this week, the OPP confirmed it is currently reviewing whether or not the Bancroft and Central Hastings OPP detachments could be amalgamated. The OPP says this is one way of continuously evaluating its operations to seek efficiencies and keep policing affordable for all the communities it serves. No decisions have been made. The OPP says, if the amalgamation process is considered, it will work with the affected communities.
