Smiths Falls plans to hire four new police officers at a cost of about $100,000 per officer, including benefits and vacation. The move aims to address staffing shortages and ensure public safety remains a priority. A recruit’s salary begins at $77,218.42, while an experienced constable earns $87,469.97, with benefits raising these totals significantly.
Officials argue the current staffing model is unsustainable and could harm both officer wellness and public safety if not addressed. They hope this investment will prevent future crises by allowing for training and preparation before retirements create gaps.
Policing, they stress, is an expensive but vital service. The community has received some financial relief from grants, such as the Community Safety and Policing Grant, which offsets up to $70,000 of annual salary costs. The department aims to maintain its high standards and community trust while preparing for a balanced future budget.