The transition from Espanola municipal police to provincial policing will be taking place sooner than the New Year.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission has given its stamp of approval to the changeover to the OPP, which is expected to take place October 11th, rather than in early 2019.
With that, all municipal police and civilian staff positions, including the police chief, will be terminated.
Any staff wanting to continue employment in policing in Espanola must follow the OPP application process, and there is no guarantee they will be hired.
Still with the story, Espanola Police Association President, Constable Ed Stortz, told The Moose “it’s sad that the members of the town police are being terminated and that several have applied to the OPP, but no offers have been made yet.
He adds, “as far as arbitration, members have been without a contract since December of 2016 and hope to have everything wrapped up regarding severances and wages on September 13th.”
Stortz emphasizes they do want a raise as part of the package.
Arbitration talks are set for September 13th.
The terminations will affect 20 individuals; the chief, 11 officers, dispatchers and full-time court clerk.
