That includes 15 new police vehicles, to arrive between now and 2025
A stamp of approval has been given to Niagara's Police Chief's request to replace aging equipment.
The Police Services Board voted to add an additional $1.75-million to the 2023 budget, bringing it to just under $8-million.
Chief Bryan MacCulloch said they need 15 new police cars between now and 2025 for their officers. "Approximately three years ago the authorized strength for front-line uniformed officers was increased. Despite the increased staffing, the number of marked patrol vehicles was not increased proportionately, which resulted in a shortage of vehicles on a regular basis."
The Chief added new computer equipment, cameras for high risk areas, radios, and a mobile communications van are some of their requests.
In putting in the order for 15 new vehicles between now and 2025, he pointed to supply chain issues.
"Vehicles are already being pushed beyond the scheduled replacement time period. We order a vehicle and we receive it in a month or two, is sometimes taking up to a year," he says.
The board approved the funding for 21 new projects.