Four topics discussed by Collingwood’s police services board

Collingwood’s police services board met on Dec. 7. Here’s what was discussed:

Project lifesaver

A program to use tracking technology to quickly locate those with developmental disabilities or dementia who go missing will be implemented in 2021.

Project Lifesaver outfits vulnerable residents with a wearable tracking device that emits a unique FM signal. If the person goes missing, police can use a satellite receiver to locate them, cutting search times from hours to minutes.

The board had earlier this year approved $5,000 for Project Lifesaver Simcoe.

Acting detachment commander Chris Maecker said officers are being trained to use the tracking technology, and it should be in operation in September.

2020 accomplishments

Along with funding Project Lifesaver, the board highlighted several other accomplishments for the year, including:

• Endorsement of a security alarm registration program to be undertaken by the town;

• $750 scholarships for police auxiliary members to support educational upgrading or other training to help qualify them to become full-time police officers;

• $600 for a program to hand out bicycle bells to young cyclists.

The board also provided priorities for the local detachment as part of its three-year action plan.

Findlay Drive speeding

Collingwood OPP officers issued 18 speeding charges to drivers on Findlay Drive between July and December.

The street has been identified as an area for focused patrols, in light of complaints from residents about speeding and aggressive drivers. The street is also home to two schools.

Maecker said police will maintain a presence in the neighbourhood, as the issue “is not going away any time soon.”

More foot patrols

Officers may also have more of a presence in the downtown on foot. Maecker said there will be a focus on areas within the main street business district that have been identified as needing more police presence.

That includes bank vestibules and the bus shelter, which Maecker said are experiencing issues of loitering. Some of that is in connection with the local homelessness issue, and he said officers have also worked to connect people with the services they need.