Police get $100K from province for community safety program

Ontario is investing $100,000 in a new safety program that supports local police and community groups in their work to build a safer, stronger community in Sudbury.

With funding from the government’s Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant – which provides funding to police services for local community safety and well-being initiatives – the Greater Sudbury Police Service has established the Crime Prevention through Social Development Program.

The program has been successful at building planning capacity and engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to develop a Community Safety and Well-being Plan (Phase 1) and is ready to move forward with Phase 2.

The next phase of the project will build on what was started initially and develop the structures to ensure Community Safety and Well-being Planning continues as an ongoing and self-sustaining community activity.

This is one of 25 community safety and well-being programs across the province that will benefit from more than $2 million in grants to help keep communities safe.

The grant money comes from assets that have been forfeited, seized and turned over to the province from the federal government to the province following criminal prosecutions.

“It’s important that we support our local police service and recognize the great work officers do in the community,” Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault said in a news release.

“Sudbury is a very safe city and it is programs like these that ensure safety remains a top priority.”

“Increasing access to resources at the local level both improves community well-being and
is critical to preventing crime and building stronger communities,” Yasir Naqvi, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, is quoted as saying.

“It is incredible to see what can be accomplished when police and the community work hand-in-hand to create opportunities for youth, prevent crime and build safer communities.”

Since 2010, the Proceeds of Crime, Frontline Policing Grant has provided more than $14 million for 159 community safety and well-being projects across Ontario.