Halton police want 4.2% increase to hire more cops for Burlington, Oakville, Milton

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Published October 28, 2021 at 12:57 pm

Halton police are looking for funding to hire 16 new officers in their budget proposal to Halton Regional Council.

The Police Services Board confirmed their 2022 budget request at today’s monthly meeting, one that is asking for a 4.21 per cent increase over last year, which would bring their annual budget to a total of more than $175 million.

The majority of the increase, $5M of the $7.1M, is for personnel costs, whether annual salary increases or new staff.

Of the 16 new officers requested, 12 would be frontline constables and four would be for specialized units.

According to the budget request, the additional officers are needed as a result of increased population and the corresponding increase in demand for services.

The new officers would help with traffic safety and enforcement as well as keeping response times down during emergency situations.

Other impacts on the budget include things like higher gas prices. Every 10-cent increase in fuel costs adds about $130,000 to expenses.

The proposal will now make its way to regional council next month.

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