Windsor Police sign contract to police Amherstburg

Amherstburg residents should expect a “seamless transition” when the Windsor Police Service takes over the contract for policing in the town, officials said at a signing ceremony Friday.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens and Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo were all smiles when they signed the 20-year-contract, which has been in the works since July and has been approved by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.

The controversial contract has become an election issue, with DiCarlo’s mayoral opponent calling for it to be revoked.

It’s Official! The Contract is Signed! We look forward to providing policing services in the Town of Amherstburg. This marks the beginning of an important pioneering partnership between both our communities. #HonourInService pic.twitter.com/U7SGDUvsnf

— Windsor Police (@WindsorPolice) October 12, 2018

“We are confident this contract will provide the residents of Amherstburg an enhanced level of service as well as significant financial savings,” said DiCarlo. “Signing this contract is the first step to moving forward, building on the exceptional commitment of the APS personnel to their community.”

Officials said the deal will lower policing costs in Amherstburg while leading to an enhanced level of service, including the major crimes branch, police canine support, explosive disposal support, the drugs and guns unit, along with collision reconstruction expertise. 

“This historic moment is reflective of what can be achieved when municipalities work together to the benefit of their residents,” said Dilkens. “We are hopeful that the enhanced level of public safety that will be experienced by the residents of Amherstburg will open the door for further discussions on regional policing in Essex County.”

Windsor Police chief Al Frederick said both communities “will stand to benefit from the many synergies and tangible public safety initiatives that arise when police services work collaboratively on a regional basis.”