News
Review underway to support municipal planning for future policing services

Apr. 18, 2024, Cobourg, Ont. – A comprehensive review of police services delivered in Northumberland County is underway to ensure effective and affordable policing over the long term as the community grows and changes. At the direction of Northumberland County Council, County staff retained the services of a third party—StrategyCorp—to undertake this review.

With Northumberland expected to grow by 35 per cent over the next 25 years to a population of 122,000, the review aims to provide recommendations to structure and equip local police services to meet future needs.

“Northumberland County is undergoing transformational change and growth. The Principal Direction of our newly adopted Community Strategic Plan is to guide this growth with intention. As the Mayors of Northumberland, County Council recognizes the importance of assessing current policing practices and exploring all options to meet evolving community needs,” states Warden Brian Ostrander.

Ostrander further emphasizes, “Council holds local police services in the highest regard for their professionalism and dedication to community safety. This review seeks to ensure that policing in our community is poised for long-term success. We aim to equip Northumberland municipalities with the necessary insights to make informed decisions about ensuring the safety and security of our residents well into the future.”

Currently, Northumberland residents rely on three distinct police services:

1. Cobourg Police Service (CPS): Serving the Town of Cobourg.
2. Port Hope Police Service (PHPS): Serving mainly the urban area of the Municipality of Port Hope.
3. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP): Serving the rural area of the Municipality of Port Hope, Hamilton Township, Alnwick-Haldimand Township, Cramahe Township, the Municipality of Brighton, and the Municipality of Trent Hills.

“At Council’s direction, this review will encompass a thorough evaluation of current policing service levels, operational costs, and revenue streams,” states CAO Jennifer Moore. “The goal is to obtain recommendations for future service delivery, considering options ranging from maintaining existing service structures to exploring a combined model.”

The review will culminate in a comprehensive report for Northumberland County Council’s consideration and next steps.