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McGuinty Government Upgrades Police Facilities In Northern Ontario
TORONTO, Sept. 12 /CNW/ -
NEWS
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has a new high-tech hub to better
manage communications across Northwestern Ontario.
Officially opened today, the $7.4-million, state-of-the-art centre
provides the communications link to OPP and First Nations Police Services
personnel across the region. The new facility includes advanced security and
building systems monitoring, an emergency power backup system and building
infrastructure that meets today's challenging technology requirements. It
replaces the former communications centres in Kenora and Thunder Bay.
The province is also building a new $5.8-million forensic identification
unit for the OPP in Thunder Bay. The OPP and the forensic staff of the Thunder
Bay Police will share this facility. It replaces the existing forensics
facility, which no longer fully meets the needs of the OPP.
Ontario Provincial Police forensic units are responsible for collecting
physical evidence at crime scenes, crime scene management, evidence
processing, and for the integrity and continuity of evidence from the time it
is collected until it is presented in court.
QUOTES
"We're giving police the tools they need to do their job and keep
Ontarians safe," said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick
Bartolucci (http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about_min/bio.html). "These
modern facilities will go a long way in helping our hard-working OPP officers
provide superior service to the people of Northwestern Ontario."
"I am extremely pleased with this announcement," said Thunder
Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle (http://www.michaelgravelle.ca/). "The
new provincial communications center, and the new forensic identification unit
will provide OPP and First Nations Officers in Northwestern Ontario with
essential modern facilities. Ultimately, this leads to increased safety for
the residents of our great region."
"These state-of-the-art facilities will enable our dedicated officers and
civilian employees to utilize the best technology available as they work to
promote public safety across the region," stated Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill
Mauro (http://www.billmauro.onmpp.ca/). "This is a continuation of our
government's commitment to invest in public services and infrastructure in
northwestern Ontario."
"Efficient and rapid response to crisis calls is a key part of OPP
operations. In a region where the population is sparse and the travel
distances long, state-of-the-art communication facilities are essential," said
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino
(http://opp.ca/Organization/Commissioner/index.htm).
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QUICK FACTS
- These projects as well as 14 new OPP detachment buildings are part of
the Ontario government's $50-million investment to replace or upgrade
facilities for front-line police officers.
>>
LEARN MORE
Read more about the Ontario Provincial Police
(http://www.opp.ca/english.htm).
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MODERN POLICE FACILITIES FOR NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO
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The Thunder Bay Provincial Communications Centre is one of five
provincial centres to be opened as part of the Government Mobile
Communications Project. This involved the replacement of 11 older
communications centres with five new facilities. The Thunder Bay centre
consolidates Kenora and Thunder Bay centres. The four other centres are in
Orillia, London, Smiths Falls and North Bay.
Provincial Communications Centres use the new Bell Mobility FleetNet, a
province-wide very high frequency two-way trunked radio network for voice
dispatch of emergency services. Emergency personnel from several services use
the network and the provincial communications centres for greater efficiency.
This network is a partnership between Bell Mobility and the Ontario government
and replaces five other two-way radio networks that were operated by four
ministries and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
A new Forensic Identification Unit is also under construction in Thunder
Bay. Ontario Provincial Police forensic units are responsible for crime scene
management, evidence processing, and for the integrity and continuity of
evidence from the time it is collected until it is presented in court.
The new facilities are part of the Ontario government's $50-million
investment to replace or upgrade facilities for front-line police officers to
reflect new technological requirements, increased standards and keep pace with
the demands of the justice sector.
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Features of the new Provincial Communications Centre:
- State-of-the-art security and CCTV system for building systems
monitoring.
- Specifically designed communications room equipped with specialized
materials to eliminate sound that could interfere with the 24/7
operation.
- Modern building infrastructure to meet challenging technology
requirements.
- Complete emergency power back-up system that provides 24/7 of
uninterrupted power service. The system includes an emergency
generator, battery bank and Electrical Storm Identification Device
that automatically transfers power to the generator if it senses a
weather disturbance in the vicinity.
- Open-concept administration area complete with secure but inviting
public reception area.
- Advanced air quality system to alleviate health and safety concerns.
- New ergonomic office furniture and a bright modern colour scheme.
- The entire facility is barrier-free accessible.
- The total project cost is $7.4 million.
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Forensic Identification Unit:
As a result of modern technology, legislation and operational changes,
some OPP forensic units are reaching the end of their useful lifespan and can
no longer fully meet the needs of the OPP.
The new building, consisting of 13,455 square feet of combined office,
laboratory and garage space, will house many of the latest technologies now
available to apprehend and convict offenders. It is built to Containment Level
II building standards with Containment Level III HVAC (heating, ventilation
and air conditioning) and includes three biohazard suites, with one designed
to have a biohazard/chemical room and a second containing a room for blood
splatter examination. The facility also includes a vehicle examination garage
bay complete with hoist and specialized perimeter lighting.
The total project cost is estimated at $5.8 million.
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For further information: Laura Blondeau, Minister's Office, (416) 325-4973; Anthony Brown, Communications, (416) 314-7772
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