The Saint John Police force is looking to hire new officers next year, to avoid the extra money being spent on overtime and burnout among the rank and file. The overtime has been made necessary to ensure a minimal level of police protection wih 20 fewer city police officers than there were 5 years ago.
Councillor Ray Strowbridge suggests possibly hiring part-time officers.
Nicole Paquet chairs the Police Commission. She says it’s possible the Commission will look at adding part-time officers but it isn’t allowed at the moment by virtue of the collective agreement with the Saint John Police Association.
The Police Commission is under budget by roughly $100,000.
