Toronto law enforcement faces tough decisions post city budget announcement.
Toronto’s police chief expresses disappointment over Mayor Oliva Chow’s budget draft for 2024, lacking the recommended operating budget for the police service. This decision, according to Chief Myron Demkiw, will greatly affect public safety.
In her version of the 2024 budget unveiled on Thursday, Chow omitted the $20 million increase requested by the Toronto Police Service. Instead, it adheres to the city staff’s recommendation of a $7.4 million rise, a decision Chief Demkiw finds disappointing.
In December, the Toronto Police Service proposed a net operating budget of $1.186 billion for 2024, marking a $20 million increase from the approved 2023 budget. Following Chow’s announcement, Demkiw emphasized the critical juncture faced by both the city and the police service.
“I’ve been very, very clear, without the $12 million dollar increase to our budget that the police service board approved, we will not be able to hire four classes of 90 police officers and essential civilian professionals this year,” he said
Chief Demkiw underscored that not only has the city’s population expanded significantly, but calls for service and crime rates have risen by 19 and 18 percent, respectively, across Toronto this year.
“As the chief of police, I will continue to remind city decision makers that losing $12.6 million from the board’s unanimously approved budget will have consequences for service delivery and service degradation.”
He emphasized that 90 percent of the policing budget is allocated to personnel, highlighting the immediate need for additional staff. Demkiw conveyed that his command team will confront challenging decisions to ensure adequate officers for emergency responses. He expressed the likelihood of evaluating essential services and potentially reducing or eliminating some to prioritize core needs, particularly the responsiveness to Toronto residents during critical times.
Regarding potential service cuts, Demkiw warned of widespread ramifications across the city. He characterized the budget discussion as possibly the most pivotal for public safety and the fulfillment of legal requirements.
Mayor Chow countered the Toronto Police Service, asserting that the allocated funds are “more than fair.” Chow aims to finalize and approve the budget by Feb. 14, with councillors retaining the opportunity to propose changes to the financial plan before its approval.
