News

:

, ,

Peterborough police chief discusses, defends proposed budget increase

Chief of Police Stuart Betts in uniform, during an announcement at the Peterborough Police Station.
Peterborough Chief of Police Stuart Betts during an announcement on October 5, 2023. Photo by Eddy Sweeney.
Edward Sweeney - CFFF - Peterborough • ON | 13-10-2023
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on email
Share on print

The City of Peterborough is drafting and finalizing their budget for the 2024 year and a police budget increase is being considered.

With the draft scheduled to be presented in early November, and in preparation for this, Peterborough Police Service’s Chief Stuart Betts held a Town Hall meeting on Sept. 18 to present, discuss, and get feedback, on his proposed budget increases for the police in 2024.

Betts stated that it would take an 11.7 per cent budget increase “just to keep the lights on.” Anything less than the proposed 11.7 per cent increase would mean a reduction in police services.

According to the City's 2023 Draft Budget Highlights Book, the Peterborough Police Service had a budget of $29.1 million. With the proposed increase of 11.7 per cent, the 2024 budget would be $32.5 million.

Then, on Oct. 5, Betts announced the Peterborough Police Service (PPS) is adopting a new strategy in dealing with illicit drug use in public spaces. This position would mean more time, resources, and officers, would be dedicated to controlling drug use, in an effort to promote feelings of public safety.

Trent Radio interviewed Chief Betts to discuss these recent developments in policing in Peterborough.

Betts admits that policing is not the perfect solution to every social issue. He recognizes that other types of organizations could be better equipped to support social issues like mental health, addiction, or homelessness. But, until those services are in place in Peterborough, it is going to be the responsibility of PPS.

“Until there is something else in place to take over things that do not require a police response, we’re it,” says Betts.

Betts spoke about his goals for addressing mental health crises in Peterborough, but feels there needs to be an increase in budget to get there.

“We would like to shift to a much more proactive model of policing. But right now, we are stuck with reactive,” says Betts.

Betts then answers questions about the “no-tolerance” strategy in policing illicit drug use in Peterborough public spaces.

Betts concludes the interview by describing what would happen if his ideal budget request was accepted:

“It would allow us be more proactive, to help prevent crime. Crime is one of the five core responsibilities of policing, crime prevention. And with more resources we can do more things.”

Listen to the story below:

Download Audio