At a media conference in the heart of the downtown at the corner of George and Hunter Streets Thursday (December 18th), Peterborough Police Chief Rodd reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to policing the downtown.

“The holiday season is an incredibly busy time of year in the downtown core. We wanted to pause to remind the community that we serve that our dedication to our downtown is unwavering,” says Rodd.

Statistically, the downtown core—known as Area 1—has less crime and calls for service during the day than other areas of the City. “But the perception is different than the reality,” says Chief Rodd.

In the New Year, the Peterborough Police Service is launching a 30 day pilot project that will see an increased police presence in the downtown. Officers will be on foot patrol conducting regular duties and speaking with the community, merchants and property owners to take a pulse of the downtown. “We are proud of the Service that we provide and want to build on that,” says Chief Rodd. “It’s not just about being visible. It’s about building relationships.”

The information gathered during the pilot project will be analyzed to determine next steps regarding policing of the downtown.

“Downtown business owners, workers and customers will be happy to hear Peterborough Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to foot patrols in the downtown," says Downtown Business Improvement Area Executive Director Terry Guiel. “Downtown is the busiest area of the city. We’re looking forward to seeing increased police visibility in the downtown and more conversations between police and the people who spend time in the heart of our city.”

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