8 Trunk Rd., P.O. Box 70
Spanish, Ontario P0P 2A0
Telephone: 705-844-2300  Fax: 705-844-2622
Email: Secretary

Mandate:

The Police Services Act of the Province of Ontario requires that every municipality shall be entitled to adequate and effective police services.

The  Town of Spanish entered into a contract with the Ontario Provincial Police in September of 1999 to provide that service.

The Police Services Board, made up of Five local residents, is established within the terms of the Police Services Act and empowered to oversee and work with the Ontario Provincial Police Detachment to ensure that the policing services are adequate and effective and meet the requirements of the community.

The Detachment Commander of the East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is looked on as our Chief of Police. The legislation effectively makes the Board and the Ontario Provincial Police, specifically represented by the Detachment Commander, jointly responsible for ensuring that the policing activity of the Detachment personnel specifically addresses the identified requirements of our community and that all activity meets the high standards required of police services within the Province. This requires an active partnership with the Board representing the community, all residents, and the other elements of local government.

The Board is an independent entity and is not directly answerable to any other level of the local municipal government except for the requirement to provide an annual budget and to then administer that budget once approved by Council; however, the two elected Council Member who sit on the Board and the Board actively works in harmony with the Council as representatives of the residents. In addition the Board seeks continuous input on policing concerns directly from all residents and community groups.

The Board's term of office coincides with the term of office of Council although there are provisions for Members to continue to serve until a new Council has the opportunity to appoint or reappoint Members.

The Spanish Police Services Board receives its mandate from Section 10 of the Police Services Act, R.S.O., 1997, as amended.

The Composition of our Board is that of (2) Two Council Representatives, a Community Member and  (2) Two Provincial Appointees.

Members:

Albert Phillips  -  (Provincial Appointee)
John Raniowski - (Provincial Appointee)
Jeannette Lortie - (Council Representative)
Rick Story - (Council Representative)
Ted Clague -  (Community Member) Chair

Function of the Board

• Safeguard the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Human Rights Code.
• Participate in the selection of the Detachment Commander for the Town of Spanish.
• Generally determine objectives and priorities for police services.
• Establish any local policies with respect to police service.
• Monitor the performance of the Detachment Commander.
• Receive monthly reports from the Detachment Commander
• Monitor compliance of existing contracts for service between the Community and the Ontario Provincial Police.
• Ensure the safety and security of all persons and property within the Town of Spanish.
• Promote the Police and the Community working together to prevent crime.

 The Spanish Police Services Board meets the Third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 am. in the Council Chambers at  8 Trunk Rd.. All meetings are open to the public. Please contact the Secretary at the above address for further information.