BC’s most expensive police force could get even more expensive.
Port Alberni’s 34-member police force costs more per capita than any other place in the province, according to Officer-in-charge Brian Hunter.
Last council proposed the local force be cut by one this year, but given the crime rate Hunter has asked council to now increase his force by two.
Hunter said more officers would allow police to be proactive, which is critical to crime reduction.
He said despite a sharp increase in property crimes for the 5th straight year, his officers have one of the highest arrest rates.
The city pays more than $7 million towards policing, which is 20% of the entire municipal budget.
In the recent Vital Signs report 44% of people say they don’t feel safe in Port Alberni, and 56% of people says there needs to be more efforts towards crime prevention.
