Niagara Region's budget committee wants a million trimmed, services board says crime is getting worse
Great concern expressed at Niagara Regional Police services board meeting over budget constraints.
The board voted no to a regional request the budget be trimmed over $1-million, which the board noted is pennies in the overall budget.
Member Bill Steele quoted some startling rising Toronto crime stats from the Toronto Sun, which is concerning all politicians. "I think we are in a budget time now, and all of us around this table agree we have to look after costs, however, we have to set up our police department to be responsive to the things that are happening in this country right now."
NRP staff indicate they need to hire more officers and staff.
Board Chair Jen Lawson noted in an over $213-million budget, making the cut saves a taxpayer 2 or 3 dollars.
Member Kevin Gibson also spoke of the crime in Toronto, but also other cities, and how it's rising. He adds it's concerning that people don't seem to realize how bad crime is getting. "In crime that requires more than just 2 or 3 officers showing up. We're talking crimes, that out of nowhere, requires 30 police officers for certain things. And it depletes the whole region, as it is adjusting."
He added everything included in the budget is needed. He also said in Toronto there used to be a stabbing or shooting every 2 or 3 weeks, now it's every night. And the population is expanding to Niagara, with those stats, which means the NRP will need to grow.
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