NRP Juggling Budget for Domestic Violence

Thursday, 19 December 2024 17:23

By Geoff Waterfield

Police services board expressed frustration at budget cuts requested by region, asked chief and staff to move money around

The Niagara Regional Police Services Board is pushing back against rising domestic violence, making it a top priority.

Member Laura Ip read some staggering numbers, proving more help is needed.

She's not happy the region wants cuts to the police budget. "I also know that our domestic violence unit, as it is currently resourced, is overwhelmed by the number of cases per officer, having nearly twice as many cases each as other police services in the province."

Member Kevin Gibson backed her up. "It's a few dollars, as Councillor Ip said. We save one life, we save one person from being harmed, or on the street with her children, then that's money well spent."

Member Pat Chiocchio attempted to see the region's view, when looking at the number of cases. "If we've seen that escalating really bad, or if it's more serious than it is now, you'll get things rolling more quickly than now [hiring more help]. And risk the chance at the end of the year, if we're over budget, we're over budget."

Ip countered that. "It's already a really bad situation, and has only continued to escalate year after year, while this unit has been under funded."

The board unanimously voted to have the police chief and staff move money around to hire more help.

NRP Juggling Budget for Domestic Violence

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