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Halton police chief ready to retire a tram RESPECTED on page 1 Perhaps the fact Halton is such a safe region makes it casier for the police to be so actively involved in charitable projects. While knocking on the wooden table before him, Chief Campbell said Halton has flot had a homicide since May, 1996. But, he noted, Halton is unique in that it bas a special blend of key fac- tors that keep it distinct from other municipalities similar in size, yet with more crime. Halton "privileged" From higher levels of education Fand income to social services to rtopograpby, Halton is "privileged", said Chief Campbell. The positive numbers do have their down side though. When the Halton Regional Police Services Board endorsed an 8.3-per-cent budget hike in the spring tbere was an audible gasp from Halton council. This was a council bent on keeping taxes down and looking for decreases, cer- tainly not a befty hike. If the egion's crime rate per capita is the lowest in Canada for munici- palities of more than 100,000, why were additional officers needed? Cif Staffing lean CifCampbell is as adamant now as he was at counicil wben he says Halton police is extremely lean in its staffing. Iwish we could give them the asesthey want," the Chief said of bis critics. Yes, the crime rate may be down, but that isn't what should he ibee<.nly criteria, Chief Campbell explained. "There is more to be considered than dollars and cents." Service could do more He said it bas been a challenge to get politicians to look at tbe "total package" and compare Halton police to neigbbouring commumities. He said with extra staff the service could do so much more ini the region. The higbly-successful and popular DARE program (Drug Addiction Resistance Education) is only offered to students in Grade 6 when, in fact, it is a three-part program including a section for higb school students, the Chief explained. He would also like to bave more resources to "attack the growing problem" of traffic enforcement. Speed is up, he said, and there is a need to address that. The Chief' s plea for additional money was flot lost on Halton regional Chair Joyce Savoline. Chief sincere "Halton bas really been served well by Peter Campbell," Ms Savoline said. "He truly bas the interest of the community at beart." She said the police service has to continue to balance tbe needs and wants of a community. "Wbat price are we wiling to pay to keep a safe community?" she asked. In addition, she noted, the officers themselves need to feel safe in the community. "They need the backup." Ms Savoline said sbe was disap- pointed to learn Chief Campbell wasn't seeking another terin. She said she was unaware the long- time Oakville resident bad made it clear when be was hired it would only be for five years. "TMat was neyer made public," Ms Savoline said. Somne down limes Wbile bis tenure has been a "very positive experience," there were down times for the Cbief. From an officer assaulting a man in custody to improper disclosure of evidence, Chief Campbell saîd he moved swiftly to ensure tbe public knows misconduct will flot be toler- ated. "We made mistakes, but it was flot the norm," the Chief said. Chief Camnpbell also knows what it's ike to come under attack by the media. He obvîously bas bis own views of thc press saying, "I'm flot afraid of what I say, but what you'll print." Wbile Chief Camnpbell knows criti- cism ftomn the media is to be expect- ed, he acknowledged some strongly- worded editorials and stories have left a few members of the police ser- vice with a perception of unbalanced reporting by some members of the media. "You guys (the media) always have the last word," be said with a half-smile. So wbat advice would he have for bis replacement, who is expected to known by miri-November? 'Me out- going Chief was thoughtful in bis reply. New chief must know force He said it is imperative he or she understand and get to know the orga- nization first. "Learn its strengths before you muck witb it," he said. As be was about to wrap up the interview, the Chief was notified a charter bus carrying officers to yet another police funeral was ready to leave. His presence was needed. Hike to kilns at Kelso It's just about time to Hike to the Ontario's Bruce Trail on the Niagara Ruins. Escarpment, including the standing Kelso Conservation Area's annual ruins of the historic Christie- guided hike will take place Sunday, Henderson lime kinfs. Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. Hikers are advised to register early During the two-bour tour, parici- as space is limited. To reserve space, pants will enjoy scenic parts of calI 875-2200. 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