LETTER: Defunding police an unhelpful punishment

SooToday received the following Letter to the Editor from reader Cameron Leziert, who's concerned about campaigns to defund the police: 

To whom it may concern:

My name is Cameron Leziert. I’m writing this letter to address an issue I have with the "defund the police" petition.

The Sault Police are known to be community oriented providing support and comfort to many, from taking children to help pick out gifts for their family members and themselves — to fishing with kids, etc. The Sault Police are more than cops; they are our friends and neighbors who put themselves in harm's way for our safety.

This petition aims to take 10 per cent — up to $2.5 million — away from our police force stating things such as "This funding priority represents the idea that violence should come before compassion in creating a safe and peaceful community," as well as "We will not be placated by a simple increase in the funding of social services."

This suggests that they are not looking for a solution but are more interested in punishing the police.

I see this petition as a means of attacking the police, almost vindictive. Social Services is a large spectrum of many different services that fall under that name. Such as CLA, mental health, income assistance, housing, support workers, children's services etc, etc. Dividing $2.5 million among these groups does not amount to much.

This petition does not specify where this money is to go or how it will be beneficial. Nor does it specify what we will lose by taking it from the police services. Taking it away from the police could greatly impact our society for the worst. Losing funding could result in liaison officers no longer being stationed at our schools to keep them safe, losing the new task force who aided in lowering break and enters by 20 per cent and most of all, we could lose police officers in general leaving the citizens of Sault Ste Marie with less protection against unlawful individuals.

This petition is, in my opinion, not for financial gain for social services; this is a petition aimed at financially injuring our police department. I'm not saying our police force is perfect or that social services does not need more assistance. What I am saying is that this needs to be a joint venture between the two and real solutions need to be looked for. Punishing one or the other is not the answer.

I ask for those who wish to see the "defund the police" stop — step up and voice your concerns. Speak out against this petition, contact your local ward representatives and council members to let them know you do not agree with the "defund the police" petition so that our police officers can stay strong and support and protect our community further.  

Thank-you for your time, 
Cameron Leziert