Bryant Wood, Chief of Police

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE

Since 1834, the Port Hope Police Service has been an integral part of the Port Hope community. Over the last 184 years many aspects in policing have changed and the PHPS has evolved to respond to those changes. However, moving into 2021 and beyond will see some new and very dramatic challenges to the way policing services are delivered, not only in Port Hope but across Ontario as well. This is happening at a pace not seen at any time in our history.

As I write this message, we are in the midst of the worst pandemic the world has seen in a hundred years. I am very proud of the actions, responses and commitment shown by all officers and civilian staff of the PHPS during this period. Trying to balance off the priorities of the 2018-2020 Business Plan while responding to dramatic shift in service patterns during this time, has been unique to say the least. However, I am pleased to report that we have been successful in meeting the goals set out for the organization in the current Business Plan with only a few minor exceptions which have been beyond our control.

The pandemic has dramatically shifted the way in which we have done business, such as moving to a full time video court appearance regime, e-disclosures, safety protocols for handing prisoners, new cleaning procedures for the building and all of our equipment, personal protective devices for all of our front line staff, “Zoom” style video conferences from Police Service Board meetings as well as all other provincial conferences, a new perspective on staff well-being, and how we deliver training in a safe manner. Much of these changes will stay with us for some time and alter permanently how we deliver service to the community-at-large and some of these are reflected in this new business plan.

Our service represents a group of highly trained and well-equipped members who bring professional policing to our municipality each and every day throughout the year. We are proud of our history and proud our connections to all the citizens and stakeholders in our community. As the Chief of Police, I look forward to leading this fine group of people over the next number of years to meet the goals of this Business Plan. I would like to thank the Police Services Board for allowing me to have input to this plan and am also very pleased with professional relationship that the Board and I maintain to bring the best possible service to the Municipality of Port Hope.