Following the presentation of the 2022 Police Budget on November 10th the public is invited to complete a survey on the financial impact of the OSP
COBOURG (November 5, 2021) — At the Cobourg Police Services Board (the Board) Special Meeting held on November 4, 2021, Chief Paul VandeGraaf presented the financial impact of the Officer Safety Plan (OSP), which includes body-worn cameras (BWC). To view the agenda of the Special meeting, please visit www.cobourg.ca/escribe.
Since the Board and Cobourg Police Service (CPS) began exploring the use of BWCs in August 2020, public consultation has been key to ensure the Board continues to make fiscally responsible decisions to support community safety and service excellence here in Cobourg.
At the Special Meeting, the Board deferred the decision on the implementation of the OSP until their regularly scheduled December meeting to allow further opportunity for public consultations on the financial impact of the OSP.
To reach a maximum audience, Board Chair, Dean Pepper and Chief Paul VandeGraaf will present the financial aspect of the OSP as part of the 2022 Police Budget Presentation to Cobourg’s Town Council at the 2022 Divisional Staff Budget Presentation Meeting on November 10, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. The meeting link is available at www.cobourg.ca/escribe and can be live-streamed or viewed after the meeting by accessing the same link.
“This is an important decision. I am very happy that the public has been consulted at every step,” said Chair Dean Pepper, Cobourg Police Services Board. “The Board is committed to remaining accountable and transparent and we invite everyone to watch our presentation to Council and provide their input for the Board to consider as we finalize our decision on the Officer Safety Plan, which includes the use of body-worn cameras.”
Following the presentation to Council, the Board will open for public consultation on the cost of the OSP by way of
- Feedback sent directly to the Cobourg Police Services Board or the Chief of Police
- Completion of a short survey (to be launched on Wednesday, November 10 following the presentation) through Engage Cobourg.
The feedback and the results of the survey will be compiled and posted on the Cobourg Police Service website prior to the formal presentation to the Board in December when the Board will make their final decision on the project.
About the Officer Safety Plan
The Officer Safety Plan (OSP) by Axon is an all-encompassing program that equips officers with the latest technology, streamlines digital evidence management capabilities, and streamlines reporting processes, thereby reducing time spent on administrative tasks. In turn, officers can return to serving the community faster.
The technology, with superior operational benefits, is delivered at a marginal cost that is adaptable to the size of a police service under the pay per officer model. The OSP includes:
- TASER 7
- Virtual reality empathy training
- Axon Body 3 camera
- Axon Evidence Management
- Axon Citizen
- Axon Record
- Hardware and software upgrades for the duration of the contract