Town preparing for upcoming police services transition

Stratford Police arrive in St. Marys on November 5, 2018

Residents may notice some new faces – and patrol cars – around the Stonetown next month. On Monday, November 5, 2018, the Town will officially welcome the Stratford Police Service to St. Marys.

Under the Stratford Police model, St. Marys will have its own dedicated Community Resource Officer who will police the Town from Monday to Friday, usually between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The officer’s hours may change occasionally if he is required to attend an evening event.

The officer will work out of Town Hall and will have a range of duties, including community relations, school relations and investigations. An additional Stratford Police officer will be on patrol in St. Marys 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Constable Nick Keating has been selected for role of Community Resource Officer in St. Marys. Constable Keating has been with the Stratford Police Service for 11 years and spent the past five years as the School Resource Officer for Stratford’s three high schools.

“I am excited to start this new chapter in St. Marys and look forward to getting to know the community,” said Constable Keating.

The St. Marys officers will have back-up nearby, should they need it. The Township of Perth South is also transitioning to the Stratford Police Service on November 5.

St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee welcomes the Stratford Police, while also acknowledging the dedication of the outgoing Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

“On behalf of the Town of St. Marys and Council, I want to sincerely thank the OPP for the service they have provided over the past several years,” said Strathdee. “Their unwavering commitment to community safety has been greatly appreciated.”

Although the transition from the OPP to the Stratford Police Service should be seamless, the Town recognizes that residents may have questions as November 5 draws near. A comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section has been added to the Town of St. Marys website to assist with inquiries. The FAQ addresses a wide range of topics related to the police transition, and can be found at www.townofstmarys.com/police. 

Additional questions about the policing transition can be directed to Brent Kittmer, CAO/Clerk at 519-284-2340, ext. 216 or bkittmer@town.stmarys.on.ca.

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Contacts

Town of St. Marys
Brett O’Reilly | Corporate Communications & Events Manager
519-284-2340, ext. 432 | boreilly@town.stmarys.on.ca

Stratford Police Service
Inspector Mark Taylor | Media Relations Officer
519-271-4147, ext. 158| mataylor@stratfordpolice.com