MORE POLICE PRESENCE IN THE THUNDER BAY DOWNTOWN CORES

Chief Herman, of the Thunder Bay Police, says that Thunder Bay is a relatively safe city. He bases this on a Thunder Bay Police Service 2008 annual report. One of the measures used is the citizen's satisfaction survey that is done every year, and according to the 2008 study, over 90 per cent of the people surveyed feel safe during the daytime. This study also shows that over 75 per cent of those polled feel safe at night.

Chief Herman says Thunder Bay is no different than any other community, in that, there are areas and pockets you might want to avoid during nighttime hours. Unfortunately, there are many citizens who live and work and play in both downtown areas. These are not areas we should or can avoid. The downtown North core is a vibrant neighbourhood full of music, art, history and culture. The incidence of assault, rape and other forms of violence are on the rise, fuelled by increasing poverty. This is our city, our home and our livelihood, and we want all citizens to feel safe regardless of where they live, work or socialize.

To increase safety and deter violence, the community has asked for foot patrols as a permanent part of police service. According to a press release on September 16th, 2009, a permanent beat patrol will be implemented in the coming weeks in the downtown cores. Primarily, the officers will be there during daytime hours when all businesses are open. There will also be officers walking the beat at night, but on a sporadic basis. In light of the increasing violence and crime in the downtown North and South Core, we are asking for community support to petition for a permanent NIGHT foot patrol in these areas.

We, as a community, have to supply the public will, in order to help our police service protect the community. Our actions can show support for the police in their work. By gathering signatures, we can show both the Police Services Board and the Thunder Bay Police, that we do need a permanent foot patrol in place, every night and not just on a sporadic basis. We need a regular police presence on the streets and not just in bars. We need police to keep us safe when we are walking home or to our cars. We need police involvement to help deter the amount of alcohol and drug related violence and crime that exists in the downtown cores.

In light of the increasing violence and crime in the downtown North and South Cores, WE, AS A COMMUNITY, are asking for a PERMANENT, DAILY, NIGHT foot patrol to be put in place:

More uniformed police officers on foot patrol patrolling between the hours of 11 pm and 3 am on a daily basis

Patrolling the areas in the North Core between the Thunder Bay Charity Casino, Pier 61, St. Paul Street, Court and Cumberland Street

Patrolling the areas in the South Core between the areas of May and Simpson.

Requesting a review of night-time policing within the coming calendar year

Encouraging and Supporting the day patrols that are already in place, as they are ensuring our safety in both cores