Council members in Calgary demand a more thorough examination of police finances

Council members in Calgary demand a more thorough examination of police finances after a $28 million deficit is revealed. 
Not a valid attachment ID.
Next month, city hall will consider the effects of photo radar improvements and how they can affect Calgary's taxation. Following the local force's allegations of a $28-million shortage, a group of council members in Calgary are demanding an immediate discussion over police spending. Mark Neufeld, the chief of the Calgary Police Service (CPS), warned reporters last week that the department is facing a huge budget deficit as a result of the province's decision to cut back on photo radar. Council members Terry Wong, Andre Chabot, Sonya Sharp, and Jennifer Wyness asked on Tuesday to add a notice of motion to the council meeting in March. The panel wants to discuss how the city might compensate for the CPS that was lost income.
 "This motion is about safety," Sharp of Ward 1 stated. "When it comes to fines and how we support our front-line services, it's not about being a cash cow." "Our goal is advocacy," stated Wyness of Ward 2. In the upcoming years, this might result in higher taxes. In order to meet the demands of an expanding population, we must finance the force. According to a statement from the Calgary Police Commission, the help is greatly appreciated. It states, "Our commission is appreciative of council's readiness to collaborate closely with us to guarantee that Calgary's police are adequately resourced." 
"Calgarians place a high premium on public safety, and we are all dedicated to providing the policing services that they have come to expect." The team has questioned the city administration to provide a funding options report. It will be discussed at the council meeting on March 18. Before then, the council members express their hope that the province will reconsider its choice. Sharp stated, "We really need to send a signal to the province saying that sometimes just small gestures and removals can have a really big impact on our safety for Calgarians." "So, I would say that this gives them a chance to reflect on what they did." 

In an interview with CTV, Arthur Green, a spokesman for Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, stated that municipalities are in charge of making their own budgetary choices, including how much money to spend on policing. The government of Alberta is still investing heavily in policing throughout the province," Green stated. "The province is still dedicated to supporting community safety by collaborating with our municipal partners."

[attachment deleted by admin]