New report to Lethbridge City Council by the Lethbridge Police Commission following budget cuts

The Lethbridge Police Commission presented its report to council today. Last December, council voted to cut Lethbridge Police Service funding by $1-million in 2021 and 2022.

The funding shortfall will be looked at by taking a dive into the Budget Appropriation Unexpended funds.

In the report, the Police Commission states that to maintain the same level of work for the citizens of Lethbridge, the Police Commission will be using BAU funds. This includes using potential retirements, claims like WCB, and vacancies to reduce the impact of the $1-million in budget cuts on employees over the next few years.

The report also outlines that once the BAU funding runs out, the service levels for the people of Lethbridge will be dramatically reduced, and have an impact on full-time positions within the Lethbridge Police Service.

The Police Commission will work over the next year to make a strategic plan with the Lethbridge Police Service, City Council, and the public.

The Lethbridge Police Service has 253 employees.

173 of those are Police Officers, 15 are Peace Officers, and 65 Civilian workers round out the list.