Board narrowly supports 2.3% Halifax police budget hike, despite public pushback
Global News
The 2.3 per cent or $2-million increase will pay for 26 new officers, including two sexual assault constables and two hate crimes detectives.
Halifax’s police board held a public hearing Monday ahead of its vote on Halifax Regional Police’s proposal for a 2.3 per cent budget increase.
The request amounts to just over $2 million for the 2022-2023 budget, and would be used in part to hire 26 new officers, including two sexual assault constables and two hate crimes detectives.
Chief Dan Kinsella told the board that sexual assault reporting has increased and new hires are needed for the workload.
Monday’s public hearing, which was held virtually, was first for the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners. Members of the public were able to make presentations before commissioners questioned the chief.
The majority of speakers spoke out against the proposed increase, with some saying it is simply not the time.
“In fact, I think we should have a moratorium on police increases until we have our own house in order,” said presenter Nancy Hunter.
Several speakers pointed out that the budget increase request comes just as the city is examining the issue of defunding police. On Jan. 17, a report prepared for the police board by a 14-member subcommittee made 36 recommendations on police practices, oversight and accountability.
However, the subcommittee said it did not have enough data to recommend a specific amount to be cut from the police budget.
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