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14 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, November 30, 1999 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Police Association calls for audit of administration From page 1 be credited with inheriting a tough position, and striving to fulfill his duties. "The chief came in at a bad time for this service, I grant him that," the high-profile officer said. "He has taken care of a lot of old problems that needed fixing, but I can't say that he has done a lot towards fixing the relations between the front line guys and the brass. The guys I talk to feel the same as I do, in that we don't feel we have his support or his interest." Since his takeover, Chief McAlpine has had to deal with the arrest of one of his officers -- along with two York Regional officers -- on charges brought by the provinces Special Investigations Unit. The charges stem from the 1998 shooting death of a Sunderland area man. The chief has faced some criticism from officers and the press about his sporadic attendance during court appearances for the Don't put it off any longer. Christmas is just Order your Christmas Cards now. We offer the best selection with high quality and fast service. Books are now available for overnight use. "Can't find quite what you want?" Custom Christmas Cards can be designed to your personal specifications in-house. CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATIDN (905)-986=8755" + -- OPEN A. BERR WE FRIDAYS wa. (J \ PVN 109 PM Da 3 pans id HH v 4 avy i al] 4 Small to 4X NY a asl a Nenshallyss 241 QUEEN STREET, PORT PERRY 985-1965 Clothing & gifts for HIN EG HER OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION Friday, | DIS 00101) ae, [am -Y pm Saturday, December 4 . ® Free Gift Wrapping ® Surprises ® Gifts from Santa's Sack o Treats ® Snowflake Sale ® Mulled Apple Cider & a good time to be had by all Sy y, officers. Chief McAlpine said at the time: "The manner in which I choose to meet the needs of my members is my choice, and not the media's." And an external audit on prac- tices that were in place before Chief McAlpine's arrival came back earlier this year. It is critical of the force's inventory and prop- erty management procedures. It also noted that Chief McAlpine had taken steps to deal with some the problems, which included seven police revolvers being unac- counted for. Since then, one revolver remains missing. The outspoken Mr. Ryan has stated on several occasions in the past that his members feel cut off from decision mak- ing in the service. "Morale is low, and members have been leaving in unprecedented numbers to pursue their careers in other services," he said. Mr. Ryan said that the force's explanation for members leaving remains that almost all of the 30 or so departures wanted to move back to home areas to be closer to family. However, members of the force who wish to remain anonymous (including two members who have left the ser- vice for other departments) continue to say that the pro- posed tenure system -- under which officers would be restricted in many cases to certain time limits in job assign- ments, then rotated to other duties -- is the main reason behind the departures. Sources close to the service are also saying that mem- bers leaving the force are being counseled not to be critical of the administration in their letters of resignation for fear of damaging their career opportunities with other forces. Several officers have spoken of strong resentment among fellow officers over the chief's failure to attend the funeral of a Sudbury police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It is only recently that officers have begun to speak openly of unrest among the ranks. © Some of the feelings of resentment over management practices have surfaced in front of public forums. The Durham brass is currently in the midst of an Ontario Labour Board hearing into charges that it trans- ferred a highly-trained forensics investigator to general patrol for reasons the officer said were retaliatory. The service maintains that the transfer decision was purely administrative in nature. The officer who made the complaint -- who was the centre of a 1994 article by a national police publication on forensic investigations --cur- rently guards prisoners in the Oshawa courts. Chief McAlpine Is TN Su Ved 1st Port Perry Scouts Christmas Trees Moved to new location from Scugog Lumber to Reid's Independent Sunday, November 28th to Sunday, December 19th Monday - Friday 4:30 - 8:30 pm. Saturday & Sunday - 9:00 - 6:00 pm. Pine & Spruce Fresh Cut For Information Call Ellen 985-8047 Police officers say the turmoil has led to feelings of mis- trust toward senior administrators by rank-and-file police officers and civilian employees. Uxbridge Mayor Gerri-Lynn O'Connor, a police services board member, said she welcomes the association poll. She hopes it may answer some of her own concerns, which include locating the new 26 Division station close to Port Perry. Mayor O'Connor said that, "if the poll is conducted with diligence and honesty," it may provide "a basis by which we can work together with the association to deal with any problems the poll brings to light." Mayor O'Connor also said that the police association is not the only body talking to consultants. The police services board has had a consultant under contract for several months, conducting a study on admin- istrative issues within the service. Mayor O'Connor said that when the new board took over -- shortly after the hiring of Chief McAlpine -- they imme- diately realized "that we saw things much differently from the last board." The present board was also left with the fact "that in the last few weeks of the old chief's reign, there were many promotions and appointments made that this board has had to live with." Mayor O'Connor was referring to the promotion of sev- eral key officers by outgoing Chief Trevor McCagherty prior to his departure. "We will have the report sometime in the next couple of months and will begin to address the recommendations with a view towards being a progressive and proactive ser- vice board that meets the needs of the public in the modern world of policing," she said. Another Durham officer who asked not to be named was blunt in his feelings on current management. "There are about 35 guys on my platoon, and you will not find one who has something good to say about how things are... so what does that tell you?" the veteran officer said. Several officers said the poll will allow police officers and employees at all levels to express their views, without fear of repercussions. Oshawa city councillor Bob Boychen, who heads the police services board, expressed surprise at the associa- tion's apparent challenge to the present management style. "I am disappointed that he (Mr. Ryan) seems to be tak- ing this antagonistic attitude," said Mr. Boychen. Mr. Ryan was quick to point out that the decision for the poll "came from within the ranks of the membership, not from the board of directors." Mr. Ryan said that the Durham Regional Police Association is currently looking at three outside polling firms and expects to conduct the poll early next year. Chief McAlpine had not made comment on the audit prior to press time Monday, but has invited a Star reporter to discuss the matter. NUTRITION PRrROS* Fast Pasta! By: Sheryl Harding Friedrich R.D. Pasta is fast and delicious. At this busy ume of year pasta is a great nutritious choice! Here 1s a recipe that is easy and kids love! The recipe is from "Rose Reisman Brings Home Light Cooking" Beef, Macaroni and Cheese Casserole 1-1/2 tsp vegetable oil 2 tsp crushed garlic 1 2 cup chopped omon 12 oz lean beet I can (19 oz (450 ml) tomatoes, crushed I tsp dried basil I tsp dried oregano I cup macaroni 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese I In large nonstick skillet, heat oil; saute garlic and onion for 3 minutes. Add beef and saute until no longer pink, stirring constantly to break up beef. 2 Add tomatoes, basil and oregano; cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 3. Meanwhile, cook macaroni according to package directions or until firm to the bite." Drain and place in serving bowl Toss with sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Enjoy! For more information send questions to Box 5283 Port Perry or call 985-6946 'By Nutrition at Work. a group of Port Perry dictiians providing individual and group counselling Hometown &FFY RLU E "GROCERY DELIVERY 259-9-IGA*» A Nominal Fee Applies * PORT PERRY -|