The Saanich Police Department is seeking an increase of nearly five per cent to its budget next year to cover rising costs and hire nine more staff.
A provisional budget document, approved by the police board and received by council on Monday, recommends that Saanich give the department an extra $1.6 million in 2019.
The money would be used to add four officers and five civilians and deal with anticipated wage hikes, pay increments, benefits, higher operating expenses and the increased cost of regional policing units, the document states.
It says the additional officers are required to investigate major crimes, combat internet child exploitation and assist people with mental health issues.
By adding five civilians, the department will recover two jobs that were cut in 2018 and bolster forensic investigations, information technology management and the disclosure of evidence to the courts, the document states.
The draft budget reflects the cost of wages and benefits for the new employees for six months, based on when they are expected to be hired. A further budget increase would be required in 2020 to cover the full cost.
“Without council’s approval of this provisional budget, it will be difficult for Saanich police to meet their obligations to the community to keep Saanich safe,” the document states.
The department currently has 161 officers, 60 civilians and an annual budget of $33.5 million.
The Grumpy Taxpayer$ of Greater Victoria, a civic watchdog group, questioned the proposed increase in light of declining crime rates. “To us, we can’t figure out how you can justify needing that many more staff when the crime trends are showing that the crime rate is dropping,” said Bruce Kennedy, a former police officer and board member with the watchdog group.
Saanich’s crime rate in 2017 was nearly 33 per cent lower than in 2008, according to the latest crime trend numbers from B.C.’s Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
The provisional budget document indicates the police department’s net operating budget increased by 45 per cent over the same 10-year period.
Kennedy also pointed to Statistics Canada numbers showing a drop in Saanich’s crime severity index, which measures the volume as well as the seriousness of crime.
Saanich Police Chief Bob Downie, who prepared the provisional budget with the manager of executive services, was unavailable for comment.
Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes, who chairs the police board, said in an emailed statement that it would be premature to provide an opinion on the proposed budget.
“As with all departmental budgets, they will be presented as part of the financial plan process including council deliberation and decision as well as public input,” the statement said.
