There’s less than a month to go before Stratford Police expand to St. Marys and Perth South.

The move will see St. Marys have its own dedicated Community Resource Officer come November 5th who will police the town from Monday to Friday, usually between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, and be based out of town hall.

Nick Keating, who has been with the Stratford Police for 11 years, will take on the position whose duties will include things like visiting schools, attending community events as well as some investigation.

The move will see the two areas switch from being policed to Ontario Provincial Police to community-based policing.

St.Marys Mayor Al Strathdee says there will also be another additional officer patrolling St.Marys 24 hours a day.

“We’re looking for more of a community-based police force and we’re excited to have Nick Keating as our local officer and patrols and a bit more of a community presence.”

As of November 5th, there will also be nine additional police officers who have been hired over the past twelve months to patrol Stratford, St.Marys and Perth South.