Campaign against police budget cuts
Posted Jul 14, 2010 2:02 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
In the wake of possible cuts to the city’s policing budget, a number of groups are coming out in support of Calgary’s force.
The Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Calgary Association and Crime Stoppers have purchased a full page newspaper ad calling on the city to pre-approve the CPS budget.
Police Chief Rick Hansen says it’s important for people to be aware of the consequences of any decision.
“The 5 per cent cuts for the police service is $15-million, that’s 120 positions which is next year’s growth plus most of this year’s growth,” he says.
He says he appreciates the ad highlighting all the good work being done by officers, specifically in the downtown core but admits only time will tell if it plays any part in council’s budget decision.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier says taxes may have to go up by six percent next year in order to cover the shortfall but says the average Calgarian wouldn’t mind, knowing the money is going towards public safety.
He says council may revisit the issue at Monday’s council meeting.
