The Chatham-Kent police headquarters will soon be dressed-up with a vibrant mural to greet the public.
Board members of the Chatham-Kent Police Services have approved the $25,000 mural for the downtown Chatham building.
Deputy Police Chief Kirk Earley said the police service is continually looking for ways to humanize the profession of law enforcement and enhance trust and transparency with the community.
He said the mural will represent more than just beauty, it'll act as a visual representation of shared values, aspirations, and unity between police and the people they proudly serve.
Earley hopes the mural creates a deeper respect for police and encourages a positive perception of policing in general, while fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
Police Chief Gary Conn said the cost is going to be funded by three parties. Mayor Darrin Canniff and Councillor Marjorie Crew have both contributed $5,000 each towards the project from the Council Fund. Chatham-Kent police will pay $15,425.
"This is a one-time initial startup cost, and subsequently this initiative will be funded from our police mandatory issues reserve," said Chief Conn.
The mural will cover a large portion of the building that faces Third Street in downtown Chatham. The mural will be painted by Cerah Steele.
Meanwhile, municipal officials in Chatham-Kent are still looking for submissions from local artists between the ages of 15 and 39 connected to Chatham-Kent and Walpole Island First Nation for a graffiti-type mural at the Wallaceburg police station.
The two successful artists will get $2,500 each. Payment will be issued once the final mural is installed.
Submissions are due by Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
The artists will be selected in March 2024.
The mural will be installed in May 2024.
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