With a couple of pen strokes, the plan to have Windsor police begin patrols in Amherstburg is a done deal.
The city of Windsor and the town of Amherstburg formally signed a 20-year contract Friday morning that will allow Windsor police to absorb Amherstburg's police and begin patrols in the town on January 1. The signing is the culmination of an often contentious, year-long process that had supporters saying the move will save the town money, while critics believe service and town identity will be affected.
The plan was approved this past winter by a divided Amherstburg Town Council, and a series of committees from both municipalities have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the transition will be as seamless as possible.
At a news conference held at Windsor police headquarters, Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said he understands that there are still reservations about the policing plan, but assured residents that there will always be a police facility in the town.
"As many times as we've repeated it, I still get the odd resident saying 'How are they going to get from Amherstburg to Windsor in such a short period of time?''' said DiCarlo. "We will maintain our facility and they will dispatch out of that building."
Among the services that will have a presence in Amherstburg are Windsor's Major Crimes Division, a canine unit, forensic identification and crime scene analysis, collision investigation and others.
Chief Al Frederick said it will make policing in Amherstburg better.
"The Windsor Police Service has all of the requirements under the Police Services Act," said Frederick. "Tactical teams, internet capability, bond teams, forensic specialists, all of those services now are available to the town of Amherstburg."
Amherstburg's 30 sworn officers will wear Windsor police uniforms with a special Amherstburg detachment patch. Amherstburg's police chief will become a member of the Windsor police administration.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said the deal is good for both municipalities.
"Through this contract with the town of Amherstburg, we can show how we can do something and provide great service for the city of Windsor and the town of Amherstburg as well, and show how we can save residents money by providing great service," said Dilkens.
The policing plan is expected to save the town of Amherstburg about $570,000 a year to start. The deal is subject to renewal after five years.