In the midst of debates surrounding the future of law enforcement in Sarnia, a critical question emerges: where should the city's resources be directed to ensure public safety and community well-being? As the police chief pushes for a new police building that could cost up to $40 million, the entire city is rallying together to address housing and mental health issues. Why are the police not working with other agencies to solve our actual problems rather than a manufactured one?
Infrastructure Projects:
Large-scale infrastructure projects often serve as opportunities for officials to leave a personal legacy or showcase their leadership. However, the decision to invest millions of dollars in a new police building should not be driven by ego or grandiosity. Rather, it should be rooted in genuine community needs and a commitment to effective policing strategies. The recent report advocating for a new building, which cost taxpayers $36,000, raises questions about the true motivations behind such proposals and whether they truly serve the best interests of the public. That $36,000 could have been spent to provide basic amenities for the encampment at Rainbow Park, for instance.
Size of Sarnia:
One glaring inconsistency in the argument for a new police building is the assertion that the needs of Sarnia have drastically changed since the current building was erected in 1987. Despite the city's population remaining relatively stable, the justification for a new facility appears dubious at best. What tangible benefits does the building itself provide to the community, especially if its size has not changed in over three decades?
Alternative Investment:
Rather than committing to a costly new building project, there are alternative avenues for investment that could yield greater benefits for both the police force and the community. For instance, the report highlights the possibility of upgrading the existing building for $5 million, acknowledging that renovations within the current space are feasible. Additionally, instead of consolidating all police operations into one centralized location, there is merit in exploring the option of leasing commercial properties across the city.
Consider this scenario: with a $40 million investment in a 5% Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), Sarnia could generate approximately $2 million in annual interest income. By allocating a portion of this income towards leasing commercial properties, the police force could establish satellite offices in different neighborhoods, improving accessibility and responsiveness to community needs. Furthermore, the changing landscape of remote work is expected to lead to an increase in available commercial spaces, making this approach not only financially viable but also strategically advantageous.
Community-Led Solutions:
The city is uniting to tackle pressing issues like housing and mental health, organizing to solve these problems collectively. Just last week, a few hundred citizens who care about our community gathered at the Dante Club to discuss these issues. The police were notably absent. Where were they? If Chief Davis were truly community-minded, he would collaborate with other agencies and align with the direction of the entire community to address the real issues. By his own admission, the primary problems facing Sarnia are related to mental health, not traditional policing duties.
A true community leader would recognize that the current $30 million police budget, up from $12.6 million in 2003, is sufficient. Instead of inflating the budget further, a responsible leader would allocate excess funds to build homes and hire mental health professionals. Chief Davis's focus on expanding his department rather than addressing community needs reveals his lack of commitment to the well-being of Sarnia's residents.
Misguided Priorities:
At a recent Police Budget Meeting, several alarming statistics were presented:
- A 2023 budget of $30.4 million, up from $12.6 million in 2003.
- 428 encounters with people experiencing homelessness, involving 133 unique individuals.
- Only 14% of police occurrences result in criminal charges.
- An 82% increase in mental health-related incidents requiring police involvement since last year.
Chief Davis acknowledges that most police interactions now involve mental health issues, yet his solution is to ask for more funds for buildings, cars, and technology. How does a new building address the needs that the police themselves have stated our community has? This focus on infrastructure over genuine community needs is negligent and pathetic.
A Call for True Leadership:
Chief Davis's vision for the Sarnia Police Services is centered around building his own empire, not protecting the community. His presentation, filled with discussions about police dogs and new buildings, ignored the real issues facing Sarnia. When confronted, he dismissed concerns with appeals to his authority and experience, showing a blatant disregard for the community's needs.
Chief Davis acknowledges that most police interactions now involve mental health issues, yet his solution is to ask for more funds for buildings, cars, and technology. How does a new building address the needs that the police themselves have stated our community has? This focus on infrastructure over genuine community needs is negligent. Sarnia urgently needs all our leaders, especially the police, to collaborate towards a vision of collective liberation, focusing on solutions that address the real issues we all recognize. Unfortunately, a brand new building does not align with the vision we want for Sarnia. City council and the police board must reject this bid for a new facility and stop diverting funds in this direction before it becomes too costly to reverse.