PHASE II

Community Consultation

As required under Sections 30 through 32 of O.Reg 3/99, every police services board must consult with community members (as defined in the regulation) in preparation of a business plan for the police service in the community it serves. The Board undertook the community consultation process outlined below. Results were generally positive and identified that overall, citizens are satisfied with the PHPS and feel safe in Port Hope.

• Public survey: Urban residents had the opportunity to complete an online survey (paper copies were also made available) focused on measuring satisfaction with the PHPS, perception of community safety, and identifying community priorities for policing.

• Community partners survey: An online survey for organizations in the community that was designed to increase understanding of the PHPS' interactions with an organization's staff/volunteers and the people who access their services.

• Business sector survey: An online survey for business owners that was designed to ascertain the perception of safety and overall satisfaction with the PHPS.

• Business partners focus group: The Board hosted a focus group for business owners to have an in-depth discussion of the questions presented in the online survey.

• Community partner consultation – The Board met with the leaders of many of the PHPS' community partners to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of these partners. This helped determine what has been successful and what can be further developed within these relationships

A desire for more defined police engagement in the community and partnerships with community service providers was consistently expressed. Specific initiatives or priorities identified during these consultations are outlined throughout the plan. The Board prepared a compilation of consultation results which can be obtained by contacting the Board office.