The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) is pondering the idea of adding a dedicated patrol officer to the city's downtown core this year but it hasn't been budgeted for.
Police Chief Derek Davis said it's an option they're "looking seriously at" but it depends on if the funds are suddenly needed elsewhere.
"Something could happen tomorrow, some sort of major case, some major investigation... and we're tapped. So the intent is if we can swing it, we're going to swing it," Davis said.
Nevertheless, Davis said they do expect to increase patrols in the spring and summer when pedestrian traffic increases.
"We'd like to have an increased visibility downtown," he said.
Davis made the comments during a "lunch and learn" event, organized by the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, at the Dante Club on Tuesday.
Chamber of Commerce CEO Carrie McEachran said from what they've heard from business owners downtown, there was a noticeable change when regular foot and bike patrols started last year.
"We're hearing that there's an improvement downtown," she said. "If we can get a dedicated officer downtown that's there, building relationships with the downtown business owners and the people who are living rough that need those resources, I think the chamber would support that 100 per cent."
As Davis noted during his presentation, Sarnia's downtown has become a "priority area" with challenges such as mental health, addiction, and homelessness; but this comes as no surprise since the areas of Christina Street and Front Street are where most social service options are located.
Davis reiterated homelessness is the "symptom" of a greater issue and officers in contact with homeless individuals are trying to direct them to available services, noting that the city's bylaw officers are the first point of contact.
"This isn't about heavy-handed enforcement. Each of these contacts with these individuals who are suffering from homelessness or whatever the issues are is an opportunity to refer to services, is an opportunity to refer to the housing pieces," Davis said. "If we can get someone through to the support they need, that's a win for everybody."
Davis said it would be ideal for there to be a coordinated effort among different organizations (at the city and county level) so non-emergent issues could go to one spot and then directed to the proper organization.
Davis said something as simple as a single phone number to call would be a step in the right direction.
"If the citizens had a singular number to call to report someone who's facing homelessness challenges -- or perhaps an encampment, because right now it comes from multiple [sources]," Davis said. "People write their councillors, people call bylaw, they call us. Having a little bit of coordination on everyone's efforts, only makes them more efficient and more effective."
During the event, Davis highlighted the Community Crime Unit, a program held in partnership with Lambton College.
The co-op program, used to address minor crimes in the community, launched in 2023 with four students and has since expanded to include six. Davis said one student from the first cohort was actually hired by the SPS.
Davis also noted the need for additional investments in the Emergency Response Team in order for the unit's equipment to meet Community Safety and Policing Act requirements. Davis didn't elaborate on the exact cost but said there will be a presentation soon to the police service's board.
Speaking of investments, Davis also discussed the aging police facility on Christina Street, which is in need of $4 million worth of upgrades and improvements just to be up to code.
As previously reported, the 2025 budget allocated $500,000 for a contingent fund to go toward the development of a new police facility.
Also, the SPS will soon look at developing a new strategic plan for 2027 to 2029 which will include surveys and town hall meetings.