The recent trends of violence against police in Ontario and nationally are very troubling. The murders of the two young Edmonton Police Service officers – is yet another reminder of the inherent risks associated to policing. These two officers didn’t stand a chance. They had families. They were loved. They answered a call for service and attended without hesitation, as we always do. Unfortunately, there are times where training, skill and qualifications will not be enough. A sad reality that is consuming public safety in Canada in recent months. We continue to see mental health and substance use disorders as the root cause of these violent incidents.
STPS officers deserve to feel safe and be safe – and the criminal justice, social and health systems must support public safety efforts throughout Ontario and Canada.
As your Chief of Police, please know it will be my position to ensure these continuing violent matters that we are seeing play out are countered locally by deep investments into training and wellness for STPS members. We will continue to be mindful of the trending challenges we are facing as we move forward – and ensure investments are applied to operational training, skilled teams and wellness programs. I will continue to advocate with local leaders, Provincial and Federal representatives to ensure public safety is guaranteed for all St. Thomas residents and STPS police officers.
As we now mourn the deaths of two more murdered police officers, please find a moment to show your support for the women and men that serve so bravely as police officers. They will appreciate hearing it. The community will play a vital role moving forward in calling for an end to this tragic, senseless and appalling violence against police.
