PACC helps to make the community safer
By ALAN LICZYK Staff Reporter

The Policing Advisory Council of Caledon is playing an effective role in making the community a safer place to live.

Caledon council praised the work of PACC following a presentation made by its chair, Kevin Junor.

He provided an overview of PACC's mission and the benefits it provides to the Town and Caledon OPP.

Its role is to help identify community and individual concerns regarding public safety and develop solutions in partnership with the Town and OPP.

Joining Junor on the PACC executive for 2006 to 2008 are vice-chair Terry Fast, secretary Jackie Flynn, treasurer Ian Ford, directors Jane Clarke and Lina Lawrence, councillors Richard Paterak and Jason Payne, police representative Sergeant Nikki Randall and past chair Garry Moore.

Junor noted PACC has successfully engaged the Town on park safety, road safety improvements and safety awareness. The committee also acts as a communication channel that streamlines residents' concerns to a core body of knowledgeable people with access to the right resources.

He added PACC is also the liaison between the police and the community. The committee saves the police time and other resources. It works closely with the OPP to resolve issues within its community.

PACC identifies traffic-related issues primarily through community input. It provides recommendations to the decision makers who would deal with a specific issue.

Junor said their Road Watch subcommittee has been most productive. Road Watch's mandate is to influence the reduction of automobile collisions and fatalities through awareness education. Online citizen report forms are available at www.roadwatch.ca.

PACC is also involved with the OPP's restorative justice program.

"The restorative justice is a great program," said Councillor Annette Groves.

She added these criminals aren't going to be punished for life, but they will realize their wrongdoing.

Mayor Marolyn Morrison said Junor and the committee have done an outstanding job.