Cuts to the Winnipeg Police Service are one step closer to reality.
The mayor’s executive policy committee unanimously voted Wednesday to send the operating budget to council the way it is.
That budget calls for a $16.7 million increase from last year’s police budget. That figure is still $2.45 million short of what Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis and the police board said is essential to maintain service levels.
“We believe that there is sufficient funding there to ensure that there aren't staff adjustments,” Mayor Brian Bowman said.
On the chopping block could be the Cadet Unit, which has 74 members including Brett Friesen.
“For me I really like helping people. I know it's a cliché answer, but I do really enjoy the job," he said.
He’s been walking the beat for two years.
Friesen said a cadet’s job is to respond to lower priority calls to free up police officers for more serious ones.
His tasks include directing traffic, attending to intoxicated people, securing crime scenes and guarding patients in hospital.
Cadet supervisor patrol Sgt. Rob Tighe said if the unit is cut, Winnipeggers will notice.
"So if you pick up the phone and you want police there right away, it may take a bit longer because police officers are now doing those duties that the cadets are doing."
Winnipeg Police Association president Moe Sabourin agrees. He said these potential cuts could cost the city more in the long run.
"Ultimately the workload for the members on the street is going to increase and I think you'll see at the back end there's going to be an increase in overtime."
