As a banker, Kelly Ash loves data.
“(But) this is better,” the branch manager of the Southwest Regional Credit Union in Wyoming said during last week’s Sarnia police board meeting.
Ash, the board’s vice-chairperson, recalled spending several meetings last fall amid the lead-up to budget talks hearing about Sarnia residents’ safety concerns and calls for increased police presence.
A letter from a citizen included in Thursday’s police board agenda spoke glowingly about the difference they’ve observed in Veterans Park. The note, addressed to Sean Peters, a sergeant with the Community Oriented Police Problem Solving (COPPS) unit, thanked them for the marked improvement in the neighborhood around the Wellington Street park.
“It’s very noticeable that Veterans Park is (at this very moment as a matter of fact) clear and clean and welcoming to regular folks,” the letter said. “Thank you.”
“This letter from this citizen stating that it’s noticeable – that’s a measureable,” Ash said to the board. “They’re seeing it happen.”
She also pointed out the community is seeing results in a relatively short amount of time.
Julie Craddock, Sarnia’s deputy police chief, said the letter was just one snapshot of positive feedback they’ve been receiving about increased police presence and community engagement.
“Officers that are out on bike and out on foot that are talking to people is being noticed,” she said.
The COPPS unit has four constables and identifies issues endangering the safety and property of the community and takes various actions including cruiser, foot and bicycle patrol to address it, according to Sarnia police’s website.
OVEN PROMOTIONS
Four Sarnia police officers were brought in front of the board Thursday to announce their recent promotions. The quartet included newly-appointed Insp. Michael Van Sickle, Sgt. Reginald Musclow, and staff sergeants Johann Lewis and James McCabe.
“It’s important to note that promotion is not an easy task,” Chief Derek Davis said, adding to gain rank requires dedication and hard work at and away from headquarters.
