Community F.I.R.S.T stands for:
Community-Focused
Investigation
Response
Support
Team
The Unit will consist of four frontline officers whose primary responsibility will be to address and investigate property crimes in our communities. The workload for these officers will be generated through calls for service as well as reports made through the online reporting portal.
“This program is in response to what we have been hearing from the community for several years when it comes to property crimes. The voice and concerns of the community are being heard. We know property crimes have adverse effects on residents and business owners and we want to do a better job in responding to these types of calls. Our Officers are busy responding to high priority calls each, and every day, which means that these types of calls get lower priority. It is frustrating for victims of crime, and it is frustrating for our Officers who want to serve the community. Each of us knows it’s what the community expects and deserves.” - Chief Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service.
Over the past five years, Peterborough’s non-violent crime severity index, which includes property crimes, has gone up just over 28%. This increase is by far the highest of all comparator services.
The Community F.I.R.S.T will be a year-long pilot program after which its effectiveness and sustainability will be assessed.
Our officers will be wearing high visibility clothing and be deployed in pairs and will conduct investigations related to thefts, mischief, and stolen property throughout Peterborough, Cavan-Monaghan, and Lakefield.
In the 3rd Quarter of 2023, we have received:
|
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
||
|
Mischief |
45 |
52 |
37 |
134 |
|
Shoplifting <$5k |
99 |
113 |
87 |
299 |
|
Theft from Vehicle <$5k |
41 |
43 |
46 |
130 |
|
Gas Drive Off |
8 |
5 |
15 |
28 |
|
Theft <$5k |
6 |
3 |
5 |
14 |
|
Theft <$5k - Person |
35 |
42 |
41 |
118 |
|
Theft <$5k - Building |
1 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
|
Theft <$5k - Bike |
18 |
21 |
17 |
56 |
|
Theft <$5k - Construction Site |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
253 |
280 |
252 |
785 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
| How do I connect with the Community F.I.R.S.T Unit? |
|
Many of the incidents that the Unit will investigate are best reported through the Online Reporting Portal. Access the portal: https://www.peterboroughpolice.com/en/report/online-reporting.aspx
Questions about Community F.I.R.S.T: communityfirst@peterborough.ca |
| Why is the Peterborough Police Service doing this now? |
|
Quite frankly we are responding to a community need. We have heard from residents and business owners that they have concerns about the increase in property crime and the police ability to respond in timely manner. For its part, the Service has been seeking support to hire more officers and civilians to ensure safety in our community. With more, the Service can do more. Creating this unit is part of that vision. |
| What is the mandate of Community F.I.R.S.T? |
| To investigate property crimes in the communities policed by the Peterborough Police Service. The team will be comprised of four officers. |
| What does a dedicated team mean for the community? |
| Typically, there is a high volume of these types of crimes reported however, they are often a lower priority than crimes against person calls. That said the impact of property crimes can be just as devastating and lead to feelings of being unsafe. A dedicated group of officers to these investigations will ensure that more calls for service are responded to in a focused and timely manner. |
| How will the public know the Community F.I.R.S.T officers? |
| The officers will be wearing high visibility clothing similar to the uniform of foot and bike patrol. |
| How will this unit impact the rest of the frontline officers? |
| It is hoped that Community F.I.R.S.T officers will be able to complete property crime investigations and reduce the workload on the frontline officers. |
| When do you expect to see results? |
| We know that the Community F.I.R.S.T officers will have no shortage of investigations, so we anticipate that it may take some time for the group to hit their stride. Ultimately, we hope that the results will be seen in returned property and charges against those who have committed these crimes. |
| Property Crime Statistics |
|
2022 – Annual Report – Comparative Statistics Thefts Possession of Stolen Goods 33 |
Media Conference Thursday, November 16, 2023: https://youtu.be/zwCvQuIJQk0