Calgary Police Service has no more room to cut

Budget increase only way to avoid a freeze on hiring, writes

After only one month into their term, Calgary city councillors will vote on the city’s 2018 budget. Municipalities around the province are grappling with keeping taxes low while also maintaining valuable services, and I appreciate and applaud our councillors as they serve their community during a time when such difficult decisions are required.

Because the Calgary Police Commission is an independent civilian oversight body, we do not get to decide how city council pays for programs. Instead, we bring the community’s voice to council and exercise oversight over the finances of the Calgary Police Service.

The commission has a duty to ensure CPS has the resources it needs to keep our city safe. Our job is to listen to citizens and share their concerns and perspectives with CPS and with city council.

Through our conversations with the community, we learn how safe you feel and what you expect from your police service.

We know from recent consultations that many citizens are uncertain that CPS has the resources it needs to continue to keep Calgary safe. Many people feel that we need more officers to meet the demands of a growing city.

Our city values the community policing model that makes Calgary stand out and takes pride in CPS crime prevention programs. Time after time, we hear citizens express appreciation to police for their service to the community, and appreciation for the dangerous and challenging nature of police work.

Police work does not stop when the economy is weak. In fact, it’s the opposite. CPS is facing additional pressures now and in the coming years from the opioid crisis, cybercrime, marijuana legislation, increasing caseload demands and significant increases in child abuse and domestic violence.

Every unit within CPS is stretched thin right now, and members are eager for support.

The incredibly high standards we have for police officers are only matched by the high standards officers have for themselves and for the organization. CPS members are proud of the job they do and want to give Calgarians the highest quality service. Yet, their ability to serve the community is impacted by the resources CPS receives.

The commission has seen the extraordinary work the police chief and CPS have done during the economic downturn to ensure operations are as lean as possible. Since 2015, CPS found enough efficiencies to be able to give $10.3 million back to the city to address other community pressures.

There is simply no room left to cut. A budget increase of $14.3 million in 2018 is the only way to maintain the services Calgarians expect. Without this increase, hiring will have to stop. This means fewer officers available to respond to calls, work on complex investigations and provide the visibility so important to keeping our neighbourhoods safe.

Putting a hold on hiring will also impact the service’s ability to hire more women and diverse applicants. A modern police service requires a diverse group of leaders and funding cuts today will hamper that future potential.

The commission was recently contacted by a man who had an encounter with a CPS officer in 1967. “So, it’s been a while,” he said,

“but I want you to know that an intelligent, insightful, and compassionate Calgary police officer changed the direction of my life.”

His story remains a powerful reminder about the importance of giving our police the supports they need to change lives. It’s just as important today as it was 50 years ago. And we have a duty to make decisions now that will enable the service to be successful for the next 50 years.