Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government will be investing more than $6 million in 23 of the province’s forces as part of the Proceeds of Crime Front-Line Policing Grant (POC-FLP) program, which aims to help fund various crime prevention initiatives in the province.
The money will be given over three years.
Each force will put the money toward a specific program.
“The funds, forfeited to the province as proceeds of crime following criminal prosecutions, will be used to support 23 projects by law enforcement agencies and community partners,” states a Jan 16 news release.
The funding will go towards things such as building better collaboration between forces, strengthening resources to combat gang crime, providing greater supports for victims and bettering relationships between police and youth.
“We’re using every tool including cash and proceeds seized from criminals to prevent crime and protect our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a statement. “Thanks to the hard work of our men and women in uniform, these funds are being reinvested back into our communities to help support victims, educate youth and increase awareness about crimes such as gang violence and hate.”
A government spokesperson confirmed that all forces in Ontario could apply for the POC-FLP grant, and that applications were evaluated through a “competitive process,” which included “a review for alignment with application requirements and assessment criteria.”
In Ontario, there are 43 municipal police services, plus nine Indigenous police services and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
Some of the forces receiving money include the London Police Service — $300,000 for its Bringing Unity in London’s Diverse Society program; OPP Goderich — $256,500 for its Safe Schools and Proceeds of Crime Initiative; the Toronto Police Service — $300,000 for its School Safety Symposium; and York Regional Police — $300,000 for Project United, which involves community outreach and specialized officer training.
Money will also be given to some Indigenous police forces, such as the Six Nations Police Service, which will receive $300,000 for a youth program, and the Treaty Three Police Service, which will also get $300,000 for enhancing enforcement and intelligence gathering relating to organized crime and high-risk communities.
The complete list of recipients and programs can be found here.
London Police Service (LPS) Chief Thai Throng said his force is grateful for the funding, stating that “[s]trengthening trust and increasing safety within our community are two key priorities for the [LPS].”
Since 2018, Ontario’s government has invested more than $16 million in crime prevention initiatives through its POC-FLP program, which has now funded 281 community safety projects across the province.
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