OPP to take over Dryden policing services Thursday

WDIO-TV

Ontario Provincial Police will take over policing services in the City of Dryden at 6 a.m. Central time Thursday, Feb. 24.

The transition comes after a long discussion about the future of policing in the city, where the Dryden Police Service has operated since 1910. The Dryden City Council approved a contract with the OPP last summer and the Ontario Civilian Police Commission formally approved the disbandment of the Dryden Police Service last fall.

Communities such as Fort Frances and Kenora already contract with the OPP.

In a news release issued earlier this month, Dryden Mayor Greg Wilson said the transition to the OPP will give Dryden access to "a breadth and depth of departmental resources, a wealth of advancement opportunities for uniformed officers and excellent benefits for both civilian and uniformed members."

"I want to acknowledge and express appreciation to all the men and women who have served our police service so faithfully over the decades. Thanks also to the men and women who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition," Wilson said.

The OPP will conduct all policing services from Dryden from its detachment on Highway 17 East. The former Dryden Police Service building on King Street will not be used by the OPP.

The Dryden detachment is overseen by Detachment Commander Acting Inspector Ed Chwastyk.