London Mayor Matt Brown. London Mayor Matt Brown.
London

Mayor Urges Province To Cut Policing Costs

London's mayor is suggesting private security is one way the province could cut policing costs.

In a letter to Ontario’s community safety minister, Mayor Matt Brown says financially sustainable police services could be attained through greater civilianization, effective use of mental health professionals and private security, and by using photo radar and red light cameras.

Brown goes on to say "reducing the reliance on front-line officers where it makes sense should be the key goal when pursuing modernization."

Policing costs in Ontario are the highest in the country. Over the past 15 years the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards estimates costs have jumped by twice the rate of inflation.

"This is not sustainable over the long term," says Brown.

He adds that the city agrees with the long-term target of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to ensure that policing costs in Ontario come into line with the national provincial average within five years.

Brown's letter is sure to increase tensions between the city and the London Police Service . During the multi-year budget process, the city slashed $4-million from the force's budget request. The police services board is appealing the decision to the Ontario Civilian Police Commission.

Brown's letter to Community Safety Minister Yasir Naqvi goes to the city's Corporate Services Committee on Tuesday. City staff are recommending it serve as London's formal submission to a review of the Ontario Police Service Act being conducted by the province.

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