Peterborough Lakefield Community
Police Service
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Our Vision
To Be The Best Police Service, Providing The Highest Standard Of
Professionalism In Partnership With Our Community
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1850 – Formation of Peterborough Police Force
when Peterborough incorporated as a town.
One of the oldest Police Services in North America.
Appointment of Chief Constable and four part time
officers.
Inspector of wood, shingles, fur, bark and stone.
Responsible for weighing of all bread sold in the
town of Peterborough.
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1860’s – Public Order Function
Four additional full time members recruited to deal
with rowdyism in Peterborough’s “Rum Rows.”
(George, Hunter and Simcoe Streets)
Two block area with 10 liquor stores, 12 hotels,
and six saloons.
Whiskey sold for $0.25 per gallon
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1910 – Introduction of regular beat and bicycle
patrols.
1920 – Purchase of first patrol automobile.
1921 – Purchase of first patrol motorcycle used to
enforce town wide 12 miles per hour speed limit
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1923 – First typewriter purchased by Police Force.
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1930’s – Purchase of first police radio.
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Separation of policing from politics.
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Emphasis on rapid response to calls for service.
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Use of preventive vehicle patrol as a means of
crime deterrent.
Result – Disconnect between police and citizenry.
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1952 – Introduction of school safety program.
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1961 – Introduction of youth bureau.
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Professional policing model continues until the
1970’s.
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1978 – 17% year to year increase in reported crime.
Community Policing Model introduced with a return
to the fundamental principles established by Sir
Robert Peel in 1829 with the Metropolitan London
Police Force.
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Recognition that crime control is only one aspect of
policing.
Increased emphasis on crime prevention, provision
of
social
services,
problem
solving,
and
partnerships.
Use of innovative long term approaches.
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Generalist Constable Approach
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Introduction Of Team Policing
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Dedicated Patrol Areas
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Movement Toward Partnership With Other Agencies
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Result - Significant Decrease In Reported Crimes
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Crime prevention can be tackled by addressing the
social determinants involved.
Necessity to form partnerships with human services
experts.
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Introduction of Community Policing Model required
change in organizational culture reflected in:
◦ Recruiting
◦ Recognition
◦ Promotion
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Today our members actively involved in at least
101 community organizations as:
◦ Board Members
◦ Committee Members
◦ Volunteers
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Being at the table allows us to:
◦ Learn
◦ Participate
◦ Change Attitudes and Opinions
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Peterborough Drug Strategy
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Fourcast
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Canadian Mental Health Association
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Boards of Education
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John Howard Society
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Elizabeth Fry Society
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New Canadians Centre
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Corrections Canada
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Provincial Probation and Parole
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Recognition by police and community that drug
problem has significant personal, social and
economic implications.
2009 – Peterborough Drug Strategy adopts four
pillar approach:
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Prevention
Harm Reduction
Treatment
Enforcement
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Police often become front line mental health
workers by default.
Volume of mental health related calls for service
increasing dramatically.
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108% increase in first quarter of 2011.
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Significant demand on police resources.
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Prior to 2007 enhanced mental health training
restricted to scene commanders and designated
crisis negotiators.
Front line training lacking.
2007 – Embarked on CIT Program in partnership
with Canadian Mental Health Association.
Today – 21 trained CIT officers and 18 scene
commanders and crisis negotiators with enhanced
mental health training.
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CMHA Court Support and Diversion Program.
Tenant Selection Committee for CMHA Supportive
Housing Program.
Partners in new mental health worker / police
initiative.
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Recognition that criminal justice system and
incarceration are not always the best solution.
In addition to mental health diversion, we also
support diversion programs involving:
◦ John Howard Society
◦ Elizabeth Fry Society
◦ Salvation Army
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Three officers dedicated to elementary schools.
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Two officers dedicated to secondary schools.
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Involvement in protocol development.
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Threat Assessment
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Provincial Probation and Parole
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Corrections Canada (Edmison House and CAC)
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Sex Offender Registry
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Peterborough Community Chaplaincy Transition
House
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Reduction In Number Of Court Appearances
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Earlier Resolution
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Onsite Legal Aid
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Meaningful First Appearances
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Direct Accountability
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Support of all initiatives that promote:
◦ Functional Families
◦ Engaging Education
◦ Opportunity
◦ Inclusion
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Enhanced Victim Assistance Staffing
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Expansion of Pre-Charge Diversion Programs
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Mental Health Court
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Combined Mobile Outreach
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Bail Support Program