The Saugeen Shores Police Service is looking to add another full-time officer in 2023, which they say will allow them to increase by-law enforcement and community outreach.
In a presentation to council during budget discussions, Chief Kevin Zettel said an extra officer would enable them to have five for each platoon, allowing for more of what he calls problem oriented policing.
“We do by-law response regardless, we’re always there to respond to calls for service, we’ll go wherever needed. Proactive patrol is where the question comes in,” he told council.
“We’re looking at having one or two officers per platoon trained on bicycle enforcement. On days where we have five members on our platoon, hopefully we’ll be able to take that down to three response units, maybe four and then having someone dedicated to bicycle patrol.”
The cost of a full-time officer is around $150,000 annually plus benefits.
Council can’t make amendments to the police budget, and can only pass it as presented, which they sounded receptive to.
Budget discussions will continue Feb. 7.
