Halifax RCMP pushes to hire 6 more police officers

The RCMP is pushing to hire six newofficers for the Halifax regiona requestthat could cost about$877,000over the next18 months.

Insp. Robert Doyle presented the proposal today ata meeting of Halifax's police commission, saying that the new positions are needed to deal with an increasing number of complex policing issues.

"From the ongoing influx of outlaw motorcycle gangs, [to] cybercrime, [to] youth [crime]," he said."And I think we'd be naive to think the legalization of cannabis isn't going to have some sort of effect on us."

The police commission's board members unanimously endorsed the recommendation for the new officers,though approval is still needed from Halifax regional council.

Reducing overtime

The Halifax region currently employs 178RCMPofficers, with atotal budget ofjust over $26 million.No newRCMPofficers have been hired in the region since 2010.

During Monday's meeting, Doyle said RCMP calls involving mental health-related issues have increased 40 per centover the past fouryears.

Increasing the number of officers will also help reduce overtime, he said.

Thatwill not only mean financial savings, Doyle said, but it will ensure the region's RCMP officersget the necessary time off to "recharge theirbatteries."

Pending council approval

Coun. Steve Craig, the chair of the police commission, said he's confident Halifax regional council will support the new hires.

"The requirement to have good police services in HRM is something that resonates with all councillors," he said, noting thatthe cost of the sixnew officers will be phased in over two budgets.

BoardcommissionerCaroleMcDougallsaidthe reasons for hiring the six new officers mesh with Halifax's recently approved public safety strategy.

Doyle said he would not expect the first couple of hires to be in place beforelate fall of 2018, and it could take the following summer for all six officers to beworking in the Halifax district.

Halifax's chief administrative officerJacquesDub confirmed not all of the $877,000 price tag would have to be added to the city's upcoming budget.

"We would only need about a quarter of thator $225,000," he said.

Thepolice budget, which encompasses both the RCMP and Halifax Regional Police, is set to be debated by council onFeb.14.