Ontario police chiefs mark their territory for voters

The Sault-based Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) today became one of the first interest groups to mark its territory in the just-called provincial election.

OACP has launched a special election section on its website, outlining positions of the major parties on issues it considers important to Ontario.

Last week, the group denied assertions in a Toronto Star editorial that its members are "strong Tory allies."

"Our members are not 'allies' of anyone except the people they serve," Joe Couto, OACP's director of government relations and communications, wrote in a letter to the editor.

"As an association representing police chiefs and other senior police leaders, we work with all three major political parties in Ontario, as well as other policing and community groups to address issues that impact our members and the citizens of the province," Couto wrote.

To read OACP's position on the issues, contrasted with the positions taken by the major parties, please click here. (Adobe Acrobat required).

The following is a news release received today from OACP:

**************************************************************** Police Chiefs urge voters to ensure community safety and policing issues are addressed during election campaign

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, Sept. 3 - The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) have launched a "2003 Ontario Election" section on its Internet site (www.oacp.on.ca) aimed at providing Ontario voters with information to ensure community safety and policing issues are adequately addressed during the provincial election.

The section contains links to the election platform of all three major political parties, each party's response to the OACP's pre-election survey on policing issues and a list of candidates in every riding in Ontario.

"Our democratic process allows citizens to shape the future of their communities and their province. Senior police leaders in Ontario are committed to playing a lead role in seeing our communities thrive and remain safe -- where everyone is given an opportunity to work, play and succeed," said OACP President Ean Algar (Chief, Halton Regional Police).

"We encourage voters to take the time to become informed and ask questions of their candidates, particularly when it comes to issues of community safety, personal security and excellence in police services."

The OACP has identified six specific issues that are of concern to senior police leaders in Ontario and provided both background information and the Association's position on issues such as:

- Non-core policing functions -- prisoner transportation and court security

- Race Relations - Municipal Police Costing Process - Justices of the Peace

"These are issues that impact everyone, not just police officers. They are important to our communities, to our future and our safe, livable communities and we encourage all voters to exercise their right to vote," said Algar.

The OACP is the voice for senior police leaders serving communities across Ontario.

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