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Understanding the budget shortfall
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) is currently navigating a daunting financial landscape, facing a staggering $28 million budget shortfall for 2025 and potentially beyond. This alarming situation has been attributed to a recent provincial decision to limit the use of photo radar, a significant revenue source for the police.
The new regulations restrict photo radar deployment to school zones, playgrounds, and construction sites, slashing the number of operational sites from 2,000 to just 650 across the province. Police Chief Mark Neufeld has expressed concerns that this funding gap could lead to increased costs for Calgary taxpayers if internal reductions are not implemented swiftly.
Impact on police operations and community safety
As the CPS grapples with this financial crisis, the implications for community safety are becoming increasingly evident. With 85% of the police budget allocated to salaries and human resources, any cuts will inevitably affect police coverage.
Neufeld has paused hiring for civilian roles and is working to limit overtime expenses, which are projected to reach $13 million in 2024. However, he remains cautious about slowing down the recruitment of sworn officers, emphasizing the need to meet the demands of a growing city.
Doug King, a criminal justice professor at Mount-Royal University, warns that reduced funding will directly correlate with diminished police presence and service quality in Calgary.
Community concerns and future funding strategies
The Calgary Police Commission has acknowledged the need for traffic enforcement to prioritize safety rather than revenue generation.
While the commission supports the rationale behind the changes to photo radar, they are acutely aware of the financial ramifications. Chair Amtul Siddiqui stated that the commission must collaborate with the CPS, city council, and the province to address the financial implications of reduced traffic enforcement.
Alberta’s Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen has suggested that municipalities should not rely on fine revenue as a primary funding source for police services. Instead, he advocates for a more sustainable funding model, primarily supported by property taxes, which currently contribute $489 million annually to the CPS budget.
As the CPS prepares for budget discussions with city council later this year, Chief Neufeld has urged for immediate solutions to be identified. He cautions that delaying action will only exacerbate the problem, leaving the police service with fewer options to address the budget shortfall. The community’s safety and the effectiveness of the Calgary Police Service hang in the balance as they navigate these challenging financial waters.
