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Downtown Safety Unit could be on the chopping block in PG budget talks

The City of Prince George will begin budget discussions tomorrow (Monday) starting at 3:30 pm.

One of the items in the City Council meeting agenda is a report outlining what a $1 million reduction to the RCMP budget would result in.

The report was requested during the December 20th, 2021 council meeting, and it shows the PG detachment would be reduced by about five officers.

“Based upon existing police core service and public safety requirements, a $1M reduction would result in the disbandment of the Downtown Safety Unit (DSU). The DSU developed following previous service enhancements in the past few years, and is comprised of five RCMP members,” stated the report.

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According to the RCMP’s Provincial Headquarters, the cost for each officer in 2022 is $200,000, which covers both wages and operational policing costs.

The City report also noted that Prince George has grown in the last five years, and in that five years calls for service by the RCMP have increased by 22%.

The 2022 Financial Plan could also see an increase to taxes by 6.55%.

PG residents are encouraged to show up, phone in, or submit an email to Council to give your thoughts on the 2022 budget.

The full agenda can be found here.

There will be two opportunities for public input tomorrow, one at 3:30 pm, and another at 6 pm after a recess.

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