If a $30K incentive isn't enough to attract police officers to this northern Ontario city, what is?
CBC
The Timmins Police Service (TPS) is struggling to recruit or retain officers despite generous incentive programs as many police departments in Canada are also dealing with staffing issues.
Some former TPS officers say money has nothing to do with their decision to stay in the force and are calling for leadership changes to improve the overall work environment.
The northern Ontario city, with a population of about 30,000, has 96 full-time positions in its municipal police force, but only about 80 of them are filled. Some officers are on leave or otherwise unable to work, leaving only about 70 available to cover shifts at any given time.
Last fall, the Timmins Police Association asked the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) to look into the staffing issue, stating concerns it could translate to inadequate policing services for the community.
Police forces in London, Ont., Hamilton and Halifax are among those dealing with their own recruitment and retainment issues, for a variety of reasons — including lack of opportunities for training and career advancement, negative perceptions of policing, burnout and pay.
In Timmins, last year, the police services board rolled out an incentive program that promised new officers a signing bonus of between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on their experience.
To keep the bonus, new officers have to commit to working in Timmins for five years.
The board also introduced an incentive for current officers — those who stay until 2026 will receive $30,000.
While the deadline to sign on to these incentive programs is still 10 weeks away, there have been limited results.
Board chair Kraymr Grenke said two new officers were recruited through the $20,000 incentive since it rolled out last summer.
"We've had some relative success and look to continue that throughout the year," he said.
TPS spokesperson Marc Depatie added that the incentive program could potentially help plant the seeds for future hires.
"The incentives did not translate to the doors being blown off the hinges as far as applicants were concerned.
"But it did create a number of genuine conversations with a number of prospective applicants who may very well consider Timmins in the long term," he said.
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