OPP welcome new officers

Posted By BRUCE URQUHART, SENTINEL-REVIEW

Posted 2 months ago

The three Oxford townships that recently returned to OPP policing welcomed their permanent officers this month in a transition that's been described as "very smooth."

One of the final steps in the move from the now-defunct Oxford Community Police Service (OCPS) to the OPP, these 17 "new" officers are permanently assigned to one of the three townships of Norwich, Blandford-Blenheim and East Zorra-Tavistock to foster stability and trust.

"The officers are happy to be here, and we're happy to have them," said Const. Dennis Harwood, a spokesperson for the Oxford County OPP. "They will be very involved in the community. Things are progressing in a positive direction.

"They will have a knowledge of the people and the area that we can use."

The officers arrived in the three townships after two weeks of "experienced officer training" and another week of orientation with the OPP. The officers -- comprised of 14 "surplus" officers who moved from the OCPS and three transfers -- are stationed at satellites located at the township office in Drumbo and the fire halls in Tavistock and Norwich.

"The transition has been excellent," East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Don McKay said. "We've had competent, personable and engaged officers."

By having a consistent cadre of officers, McKay said his township would still benefit from local policing. While the cruisers and uniforms have a provincial insignia, McKay said the officers underneath were "local."

"You have regular officers who want to be in our community, and we want to have that regular presence," McKay said.