Windsor’s New Police Chief Takes Charge, Prioritizes Safety NOW

BREAKING: Windsor’s new police chief, Jason Crowley, officially stepped into his role on Monday, October 16, 2023, following the retirement of former chief Jason Bellaire. In an urgent interview with CBC Radio’s Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge, Crowley addressed pressing community concerns and outlined his priorities for the Windsor Police Service.

Residents have voiced their need for greater police presence across all neighborhoods. Crowley emphasized the importance of addressing both the perception and reality of safety in Windsor, highlighting a recent increase in the violent crime severity index, which surged by 15% in Windsor and Amherstburg.

Crowley stated, “The perception of safety is really what I want to focus on.” He plans to enhance police visibility, particularly in downtown areas, to foster a sense of security among residents. “The more people we have downtown, the more people will feel safe,” he noted, referencing community efforts that have already shown promise in improving public safety.

Local residents expressed their concerns about safety, particularly regarding car thefts and public safety in downtown. One resident recounted a frightening experience of being followed, emphasizing the urgent need for police to be more visible. “We need to feel safe when we are outside,” they said.

Crowley acknowledged the concerns, stating, “We have a very low crime rate, but when people don’t feel safe, that’s a difference we need to address.” He outlined plans to optimize police deployment without necessarily increasing the number of officers, aiming to ensure that existing resources are effectively utilized.

Furthermore, the chief recognized that issues such as homelessness and drug addiction have become intertwined with public safety, a challenge facing many communities. “We will not arrest our way out of this problem,” Crowley asserted, stressing the importance of partnerships with social services and health organizations.

The Windsor Police Service is exploring innovative solutions like nurse-police teams to better address these social issues. Crowley remarked, “When it comes to human health services, we will partner every day with our hospitals and social services.” This collaborative approach aims to provide immediate support to those in crisis, ultimately enhancing community safety.

Traffic enforcement also remains a significant focus for Crowley. He committed to targeting high-incident areas to reduce collisions and injuries, responding to community feedback about reckless driving. “We’re trying to focus on the intersections causing the most issues,” he explained.

As Crowley embarks on his leadership journey, he understands the weight of community expectations. “It’s a heavy weight on my shoulders,” he admitted, recognizing that accountability to the public is paramount. He aims to reinvigorate the core functions of policing while tackling the evolving challenges that impact Windsor’s safety.

Residents are encouraged to engage with Crowley and the police service as they roll out new initiatives. “I want to build some capacity in the patrol division,” he said, reiterating his commitment to enhancing service delivery and ensuring that officers have adequate time for community engagement.

As Windsor navigates these pressing issues, Crowley’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of policing in the city. His proactive approach aims to balance enforcement with community support, demonstrating an understanding of the complexities involved in modern law enforcement.

This critical moment for Windsor’s policing landscape is just the beginning. With Crowley at the helm, residents can expect ongoing dialogue and initiatives focused on enhancing safety and community relations. Stay tuned for further updates as Windsor adapts to these new developments under its new chief.