Chief warns plan to save $27M over three years will carry ‘some pain’

Edmonton police Chief Rod Knecht expects controversy and “some pain” when the department announces its plan to save $27 million over the next three years.

For the first year, the organization has found ways to shave millions of dollars by making small changes that add up, Knecht said, such as keeping vehicles in operation longer, and cutting overtime and the number of leadership meetings.

But to save that last couple of million, Knecht said, the “public is going to feel the impact.”

Knecht wouldn’t hint at what’s to come, but said police are looking at where they can use civilian staff instead of officers and outsource jobs. For example, the province recently approved allowing sheriffs to transport prisoners, putting 10 more police officers back on the streets and saving the police service $400,000, he said.

“There will be some changes and the public should rightfully ask questions. But we can’t be all things to all people all the time and still have increased calls for service, and no increase in budget. That’s just the reality of the situation.”

City council approved the service’s three-year operating budget in December with an increase of $39.2 million, $36.1 million short of what police originally requested.

Police have consulted with the public and employees to see what services are most important.

People said traffic enforcement and an enhanced community presence of police were most important. People also requested an expansion to the service’s online reporting system for minor crimes. Police employees support

We can’t be all things to all people all the time and still have increased calls for service, and no increase in budget.

alternative service delivery methods, such as through civilians, outsourcing or tiered policing, and cutting redundant community programs.

“In some way, shape or form, some Edmontonians will find them controversial,” Knecht said.