A pair of twenty-something Windsorites are facing charges after police arrested them in a stolen-vehicle investigation.

The Windsor police property crimes unit made its move on Wednesday night. A male suspect wanted on outstanding warrants was under observation in the parking lot of a business in the 1900 block of Division Road.

Around 9:30 p.m., officers watched the suspect get out of a stolen vehicle and go into a business. A female remained inside the vehicle.

Patrol officers assisted in arresting the female without trouble. Police then entered the business, located the male suspect, and arrested him as well.

In addition to the stolen vehicle, police tied the male suspect to an incident on Dec. 26 when a purse was stolen and purchases were made with stolen bank cards.

Investigators also found a backpack containing more property believed to be stolen.

Dakota Poisson, 26, of Windsor, faces two counts of possession of stolen property, one count of theft (value under $5,000), one count of fraud (value under $5,000), use of a credit card obtained by an offence, and unauthorized use of credit card data.

Poission was already wanted on charges of theft and escaping lawful custody.

The female in the stolen vehicle, 22-year-old Ryann Cosgrove of Windsor, has also been charged with possession of stolen property.

Windsor police said their investigation into the pair continues.

Anyone with information about these individuals is encouraged to call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

A Windsor man is facing multiple charges including attempted murder as a result of the incident over the weekend where another man was shot in the leg and bitten on the nose.

Police responded shortly after midnight on Jan. 20 to an altercation between relatives at a residence in the 1700 block of Aubin Road.

Officers arrived and were told by family members that the two adult males involved were still fighting in the bathroom.

According to witnesses, one of the men had forced his way into the home and shot the other in the leg. A struggle ensued, in which the gunshot victim was also bitten in the nose.

Police separated the two men. The victim, 49, was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not considered life-threatening.

The alleged shooter was arrested at the scene.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Branch continued to investigate. They recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the incident.

Investigators learned that the victim and his attacker know each other, and had argued on Friday.

Police don’t think anyone else was involved.

Kyle McIntyre, 32, faces charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, uttering a death threat, breaking and entering, and numerous firearm-related violations.

Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

A pair of knife-wielding criminals who robbed a convenience store in Windsor’s west end on Sunday morning wore unique clothing, police say.

One of the male robbers — about five-foot-six with a medium build — had a black hooded sweater with white stripes and logos reading “NYC” on the front and “212” on the back. He also wore blue jeans and black shoes with white soles. He hid his face with a dark-coloured mask.

The other male robber — about six feet tall with a medium build — had a face mask with a skull motif. He also wore a black jacket with grey and white panels, a white and black bandana, black track pants and red shoes with black soles.

The crime happened just before 7 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Mac’s Convenience Store location at 390 Mill St.

The two masked men entered the store, brandished knives, and approached the lone employee demanding money.

After taking a quantity of cash and cigarettes, the robbers left and were last seen running north on Mill Street towards Sandwich Street.

No one was hurt.

Anyone with information about these individuals or this incident is encouraged to call investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

The stolen vehicle that was recovered in Windsor’s west end last weekend has resulted in charges against two men.

Ali Alhawry, 26, of Windsor, has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft (value under $5,000), possession of stolen property, possession of suspected methamphetamine, and breach of probation.

Biniam Araya, 29, of Windsor, has been charged with possession of stolen property (value over $5,000).

According to Windsor police, a citizen alerted them about the vehicle in question — a Nissan Pathfinder — after noticing that it “appeared to be out of place” in the 3500 block of Sandwich Street around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 20.

Police learned that a vehicle matching the description had been stolen earlier that morning, and had also been used in a gasoline theft incident.

Patrol officers located the automobile in the area of Donnelly Street and Indian Road — with two males inside the vehicle.

Police quickly intercepted and blocked the vehicle and arrested the two suspects.

Anyone with more information about these individuals or this theft incident is encouraged to call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4000.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

Windsor police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect caught on surveillance video using a stolen credit card.

A woman attending a business in the 7600 block of Tecumseh Road East Sunday returned to her vehicle to find her wallet and phone stolen from the purse she left behind.

Subsequent investigation by police revealed that the victim’s missing credit card was used at a convenience store in the 1000 block of Wyandotte Street. Officers with the property crime unit obtained a picture of the suspect from the store’s surveillance camera and are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the male suspect.

To see a photo of the clean-shaven white male with short, dark hair and wearing khaki ballcap and blue hoodie with yellow SAINTS logo on the front, visit windsorstar.com or the Windsor Police service website.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks.com

dschmidt@postmedia.com

Picture of suspect using stolen credit card in a Windsor business.

A man who thought he was meeting a prostitute was instead robbed by three men brandishing an axe and a knife, say Windsor police.

The victim, 55, showed up at Windsor police headquarters around 10 a.m. on Jan. 21 to announce that he had just been robbed.

The man admitted that he had been communicating online with a female who he was led to believe was a prostitute. He had arranged to meet with her 9:30 a.m. that morning at a residence in the 1000 block of Parent Avenue.

The man said he entered the place and was met by the female — then confronted by three men he didn’t know.

Two of the men had covered faces. One was armed with an axe, another had a knife.

The victim was assaulted and robbed. One of the attackers also went outside to the victim’s parked vehicle and took numerous items including the man’s identification.

The victim was allowed to leave. He immediately went to police.

Detectives quickly identified and arrested a female suspect.

After obtaining a warrant, police searched the residence and found some of the stolen property, as well as an axe and knife believed to have been used in the robbery.

The thieves were all described as white men with slender builds, between five-foot-seven and six-feet in height.

A robber who didn’t wear a mask had a clean-shaven face and short dark hair.

Giselle McKenna, 22, is charged with one count of robbery.

Anyone with more information about this case is encouraged to call detectives at 519-255-6700, ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com. 

dchen@postmedia.com

A DNA sample left behind at the scene of the crime has led Windsor police to a break-and-enter suspect. 

The break-in occurred around 4 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the 1500 block of Pillette Road. Police said two people had knocked on several doors of the house. The residents were home but did not answer.

The thieves then forced their way into the house and started collecting electronics. When they realized the residents were home, they ran off. Police said they escaped with a small quantity of electronics.

The Windsor police forensic identification unit found a DNA sample in the house and sent it to the Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto, where they were able to identify a suspect.

On Tuesday around 3 p.m., officers from the Windsor police property crimes unit found and arrested the man in the 2400 block of Dougall Avenue.

 Adam Farrand, 28, from Windsor, is charged with one count of break and enter.

Anyone with more information can call Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS). You can also leave tips online at catchcrooks.com.

twilhelm@postmedia.com

Windsor police have captured a man, accused of stealing a wallet and using the victim’s credit card, after releasing his photo to the public.

Police started investigating January 14 after a woman reported that her wallet and phone had been stolen from her vehicle at a business in the 7600 block of Tecumseh Road East.

Police said her credit card was later used at a convenience store in the 1000 block of Wyandotte Street East.

Investigators with the Windsor police property crime unit obtained a picture of the suspect from video surveillance and released it to the media. 

Investigators were able to identify the man and arrest him on Wednesday. Police have not released his name.  

Anyone with more information can call Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4350 or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 (TIPS). You can also leave tips online at catchcrooks.com.

Windsor police are again warning the public about online dangers after laying charges against two men who allegedly sexually assaulted three female minors they met via social media.

Police responded on Jan. 21 around 3:15 p.m. to an apartment in the 3300 block of Sandwich Street. A member of the public had called police after noticing teenage girls who appeared to be drunk on the unit’s balcony, and were pulled back into the apartment by an older male.

When officers arrived at the apartment, they found the three females, all under the age of 16. The girls told police they had been sexually assaulted.

Also in the apartment were two adult males. Police arrested them both.

An investigation revealed that one of the men had messaged one of the alleged victims via social media a few weeks ago. The message led to online communication between the two.

Arrangements were made by the two men on Jan. 21 to bring the girls to the apartment. The offences allegedly took place there the same day.

Kendel Dumercy, 23, faces three counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

Jean Syla, 24, faces three counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference, as well as two counts of invitation to sexual touching.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, a sexual interference charge applies when a person under the age of 16 is touched, directly or indirectly, for a sexual purpose.

A charge of invitation to sexual touching applies when a person under the age of 16 is invited, counselled, or incited to touch another person, directly or indirectly, for a sexual purpose.

Both charges carry maximum penalties of 14 years imprisonment when treated as indictable offences, or two years less a day when treated as summary convictions.

According to Windsor police, this case “serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with online interaction with unknown persons.”

“Families, parents, caregivers, and educators are all reminded to discuss personal and Internet safety with children.”

Anyone with further information about these individuals or this incident is encouraged to call investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

Investigators believe one man was responsible for two separate incidents in Windsor’s east end last week — both involving inappropriate behaviour with teenage girls.

The first incident happened on Jan. 15 around 8 a.m. in the area of Guy Street and Ellrose Avenue. A teenage girl saw a man standing in a driveway and performing an indecent act as she walked by.

According to the girl, the man waved and said something to her.

The second incident happened four days later, on Jan. 19,  around 7:40 a.m. in the area of Tecumseh Road East and Princess Avenue.

A different teenage girl was walking through a parking lot when a man riding a bicycle approached her from behind.

According to the girl, the bicycle struck her and its rider touched her inappropriately. The victim fell to the ground and her assailant pedalled away.

Both girls provided similar descriptions of the man they encountered.

Police also obtained a surveillance video recording of a bicycle rider who they believe was the man in the second encounter.

The man is described as a white male who appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s. He’s about five-foot-six to five-foot-seven-inches tall with a skinny build, scruffy grey and black hair on his face and crooked yellow teeth.

At the time of the second incident, the man wore a black bomber-style winter jacket, dark blue jeans and a black tuque. The bicycle he was riding was black with straight handle bars.

Anyone with information about the man is encouraged to call detectives at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

Amherstburg councillors are playing it close to the vest when it comes to how they’ll vote on the emotionally-charged issue of the town’s future policing.

Council votes Feb. 26 on whether to switch from the Amherstburg Police Service to the Windsor Police Service.

Windsor police were the only force that responded to the town’s request for proposals made last year.

Windsor’s proposal projects an annual savings of $568,000 while providing an enhanced level of service and ensuring all members of the Amherstburg force maintain their positions except for the chief and deputy chief.

“No comment right now,” Coun. Rick Fryer said when asked about the issue. “We’ll have an opportunity to talk on Feb. 26.”

The town has held four, sometimes contentious, public consultations on the matter and at the last meeting announced plans for an additional online survey and a telephone survey.

The online survey was launched this week.

“It really is to cover every base we can as far as transparency goes,” Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said. “We felt the survey was another appropriate means, especially for people who don’t feel comfortable speaking at public meetings or who couldn’t make it.”

There is also a paper version of the survey available at town hall.

DiCarlos said he has been answering questions from the public on Facebook, through emails and conversations on the street.

“I’m still hearing from residents who don’t believe it hasn’t been decided already,” he said.

“I’ve got a feeling of where I’m going to go,” on the vote, DiCarlo said. “I think a lot of us are waiting on the survey.”

Coun. Joan Courtney said in an email response: “I feel it’s too soon for me to make any statements on the policing issue.”

Courtney is awaiting the final report of the joint police advisory committee.

“Until the final report comes out, I don’t feel making a statement either way is beneficial,” she said.

Coun. Leo Meloche admired the “passion” he saw at the four public meetings but said: “On the other hand, I’ve received numerous comments from individuals taking a more rational approach to the matter.”  

He plans to review Windsor’s proposal in more depth before making a final decision.

“The proposal from the Windsor police has merits making it hard to overlook,” he wrote in an email.

DiCarlo said council should have a week to digest the final joint police advisory committee report before putting the matter to a vote.

Coun. Diane Pouget and Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale have declared a conflict of interest since both have close family members in the Windsor Police Service.

Coun. Jason Lavigne said as soon as council receives the policing committee’s final report, he will offer an opinion.

mcaton@postmedia.com

Jewish human rights defenders are describing material that was recently received by the Windsor Jewish Community Centre as “disturbing hate mail.”

According to the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, a flyer proclaiming “Expulsion History Month” arrived via mail at the community centre on Friday.

“Expel the Jews to the lake of fire!!!” the flyer states, accompanied by a centuries-old illustration of children throwing garbage and stones at a stereotypical Jewish figure.

“How many times have you been expelled?” the piece of mail reads. “When it gets to dozens there have to be reasons, good reasons.”

FSWC noted that the flyer borrows from medieval anti-Semitism.

The reverse of the flyer bears the messages “Judaism = Hate Speech” and “Jews = Synagogue of Satan.”

FSWC said Windsor police have been contacted about the flyer.

“This hate mail is clearly intended to spark fear in the Jewish community by promoting hate and violence,” said FSWC president Avi Benlolo in a release.

Benlolo pointed to other pieces of anti-Semitic mail that synagogues in Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto, and Montreal reported receiving during Hanukkah last December.

dchen@postmedia.com

The reverse side of a flyer that was reportedly received in the mail by the Windsor Jewish Community Centre on Feb. 16, 2018.

The suspicious death of an elderly man in the city’s west end is now being investigated as a homicide, say Windsor police.

The body of Leonard Damm, 73, was discovered by officers at a home at 3275 Bloomfield Rd. on Feb. 18 around 4 a.m.

Officers initially responded to a report of an injured man at the residence.

Police said evidence at the scene led officers to believe the death was suspicious.

After further evidence was revealed by an autopsy, police launched a murder investigation.

Police have released no details on how Damm died, or what specifically has indicated foul play.

“That’s part of the investigation, at this time,” said Windsor police spokesman Const. Andrew Drouillard. “We’re not going to elaborate too much on the circumstances, yet.”

Drouillard said more autopsy results are pending.

“We’re hoping that releasing the name of the individual may help jog people’s memories. Not only people who live in the area, but people who were known to him.”

Drouillard said the case has no apparent connection with another recent Windsor homicide — the shooting death of 16-year-old Chance Gauthier, whose body was found downtown on Feb. 14.

“Obviously, it’s a concern for the public when we have two homicides in such a short period of time,” Drouillard said. “When you look at incidents like this, it’s better to look at it in terms of yearly averages.”

Windsor had three homicide victims in 2017, with two of those deaths occurring in a month’s time between February and March.

Anyone with information about the death of Leonard Damm is encouraged to call detectives at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.

A home at 3275 Bloomfield Rd. in Windsor’s west end where the body of an elderly man was discovered on Feb. 18, 2018.

Windsor police have arrested and charged a 20-year-old Waterloo man in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Chance Gauthier — and are seeking a second man on the same charges.

Mal Chol, 20, of Waterloo, was taken into custody on Feb. 17. He faces charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and forcible confinement.

Meanwhile, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Nouraldin Rabee, 19, of Windsor.

Rabee is wanted on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and forcible confinement.

Windsor police warn that Rabee should be considered armed and dangerous — although investigators believe he has likely fled the jurisdiction.

Rabee is described as about six-foot-two in height and 150 pounds in weight. He has black hair and brown eyes.

If seen, he should not be approached. Members of the public should instead call 911 and provide information.

Nouraldin Rabee, 19, of Windsor, wanted on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and forcible confinement.

Investigators have determined that the accused and the victim were known to each other, and the shooting was a “targeted act.”

As of Tuesday, police said no firearm has been recovered.

The body of Chance Gauthier — a Windsor high school student — was discovered in an alley in the 900 block of Church Street on the morning of Feb. 14.

Windsor police have confirmed that he died from a gunshot wound, making him the city’s first homicide victim of 2018.

Police have not elaborated on how Gauthier and the two accused knew each other, or the events that led to Gauthier’s death.

“That is all part of a very active investigation,” said Windsor police spokesman Sgt. Steve Betteridge on Tuesday.

“The charges stem from the evidence. Every homicide case is unique. We follow the evidence. What we have here is evidence for charges of first-degree murder, as well as charges of kidnapping and forcible confinement.”

Betteridge added that investigators have “literally been working around the clock” since the deceased was found last week.

“Any homicide is extremely concerning to our entire community, and it is rare to have a homicide involving a 16-year-old male,” Betteridge said. “In fairly short order, investigators have been able to identify two suspects.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call detectives at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

Visitation for Gauthier will take place Wednesday at the Families First Funeral Home location in Windsor’s east end (1065 Lauzon Rd.).

Windsor had three homicide victims last year, all by firearm: Dallas Nelson, 19, was shot on Feb. 21, 2017; Michael Holmberg-Chapin, 59, was shot on March 18, 2017; and Jarvas Anthony Scott, 23, also known as Jarvas Poberezny, was shot on Nov. 4, 2017.

Windsor police officers investigating the 900 block of Church Street where the body of 16-year-old Chance Gauthier was found on the morning of Feb. 14, 2018. Gauthier died from a gunshot wound.

The Windsor Police Service is asking for the public’s help to identify the body of a deceased white female pulled from the Detroit River Tuesday.

There was no identification on the adult female who appears to be in her 50s. She was wearing a grey sweater, blue jeans and white running shoes, according to police.

The Windsor Police Service released an image of a watch worn by a woman pulled from the Detroit River.

The Windsor Police Major Crime Branch continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and have released photos of her keys and distinctive watch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830 or Crimestoppers at 519-258-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com.

A Facebook account that allegedly belongs to Nouraldin Rabee — a man currently wanted on a charge of first-degree murder — has been posting status updates about being on the run from Windsor police.

“Wallah Windsor cops are some b**** a** n**** why the f*** you raiding my cut for,” reads a post under the user name “Rico OG” dated Feb. 18.

In other posts and comments, the Facebook user responds to the name Nour Rabee.

Over the past week, the account has posted status updates that include more obscenities directed at Windsor police and describing the situation as “funny asf.”

“I know I’m innocent and Ima beat the case I got god on my side and that’s all I need,” reads a status update from Feb. 20.

Windsor police believe that Rabee, 19, was one of two people responsible for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Chance Gauthier in the downtown area on Feb. 14.

Mal Chol, 20, is in custody on a charge of first-degree murder. Rabee is still being sought. Both men also face charges of kidnapping and forcible confinement.

Rabee is believed to have fled the jurisdiction.

Facebook status updates allegedly posted by Nouraldin Rabee – currently wanted by Windsor police on a first-degree murder charge related to the fatal shooting of Chance Gauthier, 16, on Feb. 14, 2018.

Asked about the Facebook account on Wednesday, Windsor police spokesman Sgt. Steve Betteridge replied: “Our investigators monitor social media on major cases.”

Betteridge added that detectives are “well aware of the technical possibilities” of locating a Facebook user.

When authorized via search warrant or court order, law enforcement agencies can request information from Facebook such as subscriber records, recent login/logout IP addresses, private messages, and even geographic device location.

Facebook has a specific online system for processing requests from law enforcement members.

However, Betteridge would not confirm if Windsor police investigators believe the Facebook account in question belongs to Rabee and the suspect is indeed behind the posts.

But other local Facebook users are convinced — cursing Rabee in their comments, demanding that he return to Windsor to face justice, and threatening violence upon him.

In an ironic turn, one of “Rico OG’s” most recent posts pays tribute to a previous Windsor homicide victim: Dallas Nelson, who was fatally shot at the age of 19 on Feb. 21, 2017.

Rabee was apparently a friend of Nelson.

“RIP Deezee we will meet again,” the Facebook user wrote.

Other postings since the Feb. 14 shooting have been shares of prank videos, friendship celebrations, and old family photos.

Going through the user’s history, a photo posted in 2016 shows a handgun and brass knuckles.

A photo posted in 2016 on the alleged Facebook account of Nouraldin Rabee of Windsor.

Memorial visitation for Chance Gauthier was scheduled for Families First Funeral Home’s east Windsor location on Wednesday.

Messages of grief have continued to appear on social media. “Welcome to Windsor, where 16-year-old kids get shot in an alley way and left to die,” wrote one friend of Gauthier.

“He was just a kid, not even graduated high school. This is absolutely disgusting. Chance was one of the sweetest guys I knew. You’ll be forever missed, buddy. Fly high.”

Windsor police continue to appeal to the public for information about the shooting. The Major Crimes Branch can be reached at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.

Nouraldin Rabee, 19, of Windsor, wanted on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and forcible confinement.

A Windsor man with a history of property crimes was located and arrested by police in the city’s west end on Tuesday afternoon.

Robert Graham, 37, was wanted on an outstanding warrant when members of the Windsor police property crimes unit observed him in front of a residence in the 1100 block of Wigle Avenue around 2:45 p.m.

Officers approached the suspect and told him he was under arrest. He responded by running into the residence.

Police entered the building, found the man, and took him into custody.

Noticing drugs in the residence, the officers also arrested a woman who was there at the time.

Police seized 2.1 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 3.5 grams of suspected fentanyl in powder form, about a gram of marijuana, four digital scales, and $2,255 in cash.

Graham has been charged with breach of recognizance, possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of marijuana.

Leanne Mccrorie, 35, of Windsor, faces the same drug charges.

Anyone with more information about these parties is encouraged to call police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4361.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or www.catchcrooks.com.

A Windsor man who works at a pizza business in the Forest Glade area has been accused of multiple sexual offences involving a minor.

Daniel Eichner, 29, faces three counts of sexual interference and three counts of invitation to sexual touching.

Under the Criminal Code of Canada, these charges are only applicable when the victim is under the age of 16.

Windsor police responded on Feb. 17 to a report by the family of the alleged victim — described as a female “in her early teens.”

An investigation took place, with officers of the Major Crimes Branch concluding that sexual offences had occurred against the girl on multiple occasions between early December and late January.

According to police, some of these offences took place at the pizzeria in question.

The lone male suspect was arrested at the business on Tuesday.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with further information is encouraged to call investigators at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830.

Anonymous tips can be made via Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or catchcrooks.com.

Amherstburg council will finally tackle a decision on the future look of policing in the town — possibly for the next 20 years — at a dedicated town hall meeting on that issue alone Monday.

Administration is recommending council accept a proposal from the Windsor Police Service that shows annual cost savings of $625,671 over the life of a five-year contract.

The annual average savings increase if the contract extends beyond five years with a report showing the town would save $692,151 for years six through 10, $759,625 for years 11 through 15 and $834,122 for years 16 though 20.

“This really locks in our policing costs,” Mayor Aldo DiCarlo said. “The longer the contract the more savings.”

The suggestion to lengthen the life span of the agreement was prompted by public concern, DiCarlo said.

“I think there was a big concern a lot of people brought up that five years is a bit on the short side,” he said.

A 20-year agreement affords the town both “short term savings and long term savings.”
Council received a copy of an exhaustive report by the Joint Police Advisory Committee on Feb. 6 outlining among other things financial implications, service levels and risk factors.

“The WPS proposal provides opportunities in all cases to strengthen policing services in Amherstburg,” wrote CAO John Miceli in his report.

The WPS proposal states “all existing front line staff are retained and will continue to operate from the current Amherstburg Police building.”

The proposal outlined additional staff resources that will be made available to the town including “an additional 12 officers to assist in Traffic enforcement should the need arise,” a dedicated Special Events Sergeant, bike and water patrols and other speciality services such as a crisis negotiator, police dog unit and a mobile surveillance unit.

The report noted “a significant gap between WPS and APS in the area of technology” and stated the gap will continue to grow.

The WPS proposal includes infrastructure investment to town policing worth $373,000 in the form of laptops, smart phones, networking equipment, computers, printers and licensing.

“The (JPAC) committee considers the technological investment as substantial,” the report said.

Risks identified by committee members, the community or administration were listed as loss of town identity, loss of control, loss of resources and loss of ranking as one of Canada’s safest communities.

A number of residents expressed concern about police staffing levels despite a town RFP that called for proposals that “meet or exceed current service levels.”

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick described the WPS proposal as “the best for public safety and it’s a cheaper solution for Amherstburg. I’m hoping that council will go forward with the contract.”

Frederick added “sharing services is the way to go. We have capacity so why wouldn’t we use it? I don’t see a down side.”

The town held four public consultations on the issue as well as conducting surveys online and by telephone to gauge public opinion.

With representatives from Amherstburg police and town council on the JPAC committee, the committee elected not to offer a recommendation to council.

If council votes to accept a policing contract from the WPS it would still need approval from the Ontario Civilian Police Commission. Following that, DiCarlo said the goal is to roll out the new service model in 2019.

mcaton@postmedia.com

After four years of a long and sometimes heated debate among citizens and politicians, Amherstburg council on Monday night voted narrowly in favour of contracting out the town’s policing services to the City of Windsor.

“This has consumed quite a bit of our lives,” said Coun. Jason Lavigne, who described the vote as “the most difficult decision in the four years of this council.”

He and Coun. Joan Courtney voted against the motion made by councillors Rick Fryer and Leo Meloche directing town administration to finalize a 20-year contract with the Windsor Police Service to provide policing in Amherstburg. Mayor Aldo DiCarlo cast the deciding vote in support of contracting out the service starting in 2019.

DiCarlo estimates the town could save an estimated $18 million over 20 years by making the switch. In the first five years, the annual savings are pegged at $625,671, a figure expected to increase in subsequent years. Financial considerations aside, WPS pledged keeping all existing front-line staff while enhancing police services offered in Amherstburg.

Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo speaks to the media Monday after the town approved a proposal for the Windsor Police Service to provide policing in the municipality.

Despite voting against the motion, Lavigne described as “sound” both Windsor’s proposal and the numbers contained in it. Courtney agreed, but both insisted most Amherstburg residents prefer maintaining a local police force.

“The majority of these people told me they don’t care what it costs — they want to keep their town police force,” said Lavigne.

“What I heard was, ‘Please keep our small-town police service here,'” said Courtney.

But Fryer countered that town council had “a fiduciary responsibility” to look at the long-term economic health of the municipality. DiCarlo told reporters after the meeting that the whole exercise began four years ago when “a large number of residents” insisted that the financially suffering town should at least take a look at potential savings for a service that, at just over $6 million, consumes a quarter of the annual municipal budget.

DiCarlo said Amherstburg can no longer just look at the next budget year but has to plan for the longer term. Policing’s share of the budget has been growing, he said, adding council’s vote was “a combination of cost savings and cost containment.”

The council chamber was filled and several dozen more packed the corridor and hallway outside, but the discussion was brief and the final vote at the special meeting came within half an hour. After research by a consultant and a special advisory committee, four community consultation meetings held in January and public input sought and received by telephone and in online surveys, Fryer shared what appeared to be a common sentiment around the council table: any further debate, he said, “Is just going to divide this town.”

Despite a few shouts of “Shame!” following the vote, those attending the meeting filed out relatively peacefully.

“This is not a done deal … a significant number of people are against this,” said resident George Kritiotis, opposed to giving up the town’s own separate police force. He said signatures are still being collected and will form part of the opposition when the process moves to the next stage, with the town seeking the necessary Ontario Civilian Police Commission approval.

Part of council’s marching orders to administration is to have it prepare what’s required for a green light by the province. One of the hurdles seen by opponents is the fact Windsor and Amherstburg don’t share a border, but DiCarlo said the OCPC gave approval last year to a similar arrangement between St. Mary’s and Stratford, two municipalities separated by Perth in between.

Residents listen as town council debates a proposal by the Windsor Police Service to provide policing in the Town of Amherstburg. Council approved the proposal by a 3-2 vote.

Monday night’s decision came more than three years after town council directed its administration to contact the Ontario Provincial Police and “surrounding municipalities” to gauge their interest in offering police services. Last summer, the OPP, LaSalle and Windsor were invited to submit proposals but only the Windsor Police Service responding by the October deadline. 

A consultant for the town, pointing out that “Amherstburg currently receives an extremely high level of police service and is one of the safest municipalities in Ontario,” concluded that Windsor’s policing proposal is “structured to replicate as closely as possible the existing organizational structure and service levels.”

“Way to go Amherstburg! We look forward to providing enhanced policing services while saving the Town a lot of money.” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens tweeted Monday night after the vote. “Your foresight is a win-win for residents in both of our municipalities,” added Dilkens, who chairs the Windsor Police Service board, which would oversee Amherstburg policing operations after any service amalgamation.

Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale and Coun. Diane Pouget, both with relatives employed by Windsor police, were not part of the town policing debate or vote.

dschmidt@postmedia.com

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