The OPP is launching a new initiative to free up front line officers for more patrols.

Inspector Adam Illman says starting this week, officers will no longer have to do the paperwork that accompanies their job.

“CDE (Computerized Data Entry) …it’s instead of typing reports at the computer, everything is via telephone,” Illman reported to Dryden city council this week in the OPP’s bi-annual update.

“So, speaking your reports into the telephone; turning your notes into the data operation clerks and then out the door to the next call or the next proactive event or activity.”

Illman says they are hiring four data entry clerks to work with the OPP to produce officer reports.

He adds they also hope to work more closely with the high school.

“Our plans are to embed an officer into the Dryden High School.  We currently in talks in regard to this.  We would like the officer to handle most calls for service that occur at the school to assist the front line.   But also, most importantly, develop strong relationships with the students and staff.”

Illman says the goal is to have one person act as the School Resource Officer in the new year.