Homelessness and recruitment highlight first B.P.S open house

It continues to be a major concern not only for Belleville residents, but also the Belleville Police Service.

On Wednesday afternoon at the B.P.S. headquarters (Sidney and College Street East), about two dozen community members gathered to discuss issues and priorities, with respect to policing in the community.

On hand were members of the Belleville Police Service Board of Directors, Councillor Barb Enright-Miller, Deputy Police Chief Sherri Meerks, and Chief Murray Rodd.

MORE BELOW

BPS Board Chair Heather Smith (l) and city councillor Barb Enright-Miller speak at the open house Wednesday April 2, 2025 (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)

The meetings are taking place as part of a new Strategic Plan the service is undertaking.

Topics surround the following questions.

1.  What are the most important safety issues facing your community today?
2. Do you feel safe in your neighbourhood?  Why or why not?
3.  How would you rate the level of trust between the police and your community?
4. What types of police services do you believe are most needed in your community?
5. How can police officers interact with your community to build stronger relationships?
6. What role do you think the police should play in addressing social issues like homelessness, substance abuse, or mental health crises?
7. How can police improve communication and transparency with the police?
8. What specific actions can the police take to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within their department?

Homelessness, mental health, and addictions took up much of the conversation, with both the B.P.S. and community members expressing frustration.

Chief Murray Rodd says the community and officers are of the same mindset.

“I think we’re all at a point where we’re out of ideas and solutions, and the homelessness, the mental health, addiction issues, visible poverty.  People are looking some relief from the trespassing, the congregation of these victims of those issues.  There is no silver bullet available to us.”

Rodd says they have the go ahead from the police board and the City of Belleville to hire more officers, however, the challenge is recruitment.

“Trying to get the skills and the abilities that are required.  We do pay well, it’s a secure profession, good benefits, but the pool has just shrunk.  Of those that who may be interested they just aren’t qualified or potentially not fit for duty for a variety of health or other issues.  Really it’s a very competitive market.”

That is not unique to Belleville, but a provincial and national challenge.

Rodd says they are also focusing on creating a police force which represents the makeup/diversity of the community, but that has challenges too.

“In many countries where new Canadians come from, the police are not held in high regard, they have reputations for corruption, often excessive violence.  At the backstop of that is a different criminal justice system that isn’t necessarily fair and impartial.”

There will be another open house later this month at the Gerry Masterson Community Hall in Thurlow Ward Tuesday April 8 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The final public open house is at the B.P.S headquarters Wednesday April 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (459 Sidney Street).

There is also an online survey you can take part in CLICK HERE FOR SURVEY LINK

Chair Smith and Chief Rodd joined The Lorne Brooker Show on Wednesday.

You can listen to that full conversation below.

Police Chief Murray Rodd (l) and Deputy Police Chief Sherri Meeks (r) discuss issues with residents at the open house on Wednesday April 2, 2025 (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)