Petition Calls For Social Worker Support On Police Calls

An online petition is circulating drumming up support for the hiring of mental health workers to help Sarnia police. Catholic school board trustee and city council candidate, Michelle Parks, says she wants the police services board to investigate having community mental health workers attend calls involving people in a mental health or addiction crisis. Parks started the effort after a rally last month organized by the "Take Back Our City" group. "When I attended that event it was very apparent to me that there was some frustration and there was an interpretation that the police weren't doing anything and ignoring the calls, I don't think that's the case at all," says Parks. "I think that our addiction and mental health issues have really skyrocketed. And instead of complaining, we have to try and do something to help alleviate the situation and let our police know that we support them." Parks says she hopes to present the petition to the police board sometime next month. It's available online at www.change.org. Parks will circulate a paper copy at a campaign event next Tuesday, August 21 at Stokes Inland from 5pm until 8pm.