Residents will soon have a chance to sound off about a plan to have the Windsor Police Service absorb Amherstburg's police department.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC), which oversees policing matters in the province, says a day-long meeting will take place June 26 at the Libro Centre in Amherstburg.
OCPC spokesperson Sylvia Cheng confirmed the public meeting in an email to BlackburnNewsWindsor.com.
The proposal has been under review by the OCPC, which is tasked with making sure the plan does not violate the Police Services Act.
The plan, which would have Windsor police take over patrol and investigative duties for the Amherstburg Police Service, was approved by a divided Amherstburg Town Council in February.
The proposal is for a 20-year deal, subject to renewal every five years.
If the OCPC approves the plan, all Amherstburg officers will begin working for WPS, while the chief and deputy chief's positions would fall under Windsor's administrative structure. The town says no officers will lose their jobs.
The town also says the move will not only increase police service but also initially save them $567,000 a year.
Opponents to the plan, however, say it will decrease the personal level of service.
Residents can petition to submit oral submissions to the OCPC at the public meeting, but must do so no later than June 15. Names and contact information should be sent to the OCPC.
The public meeting on June 26 will run from 9am to 4:30pm, then 6pm to 9pm.
The OCPC website has all relevant information concerning the proposal.