'Edmonton has a crime problem': Police chief says budget cuts could affect community safety

The Edmonton Police Commission is asking city council to continue the plan for its budget, saying further cuts could impact community safety.

The Edmonton Police Commission is asking city council to continue the plan for its budget, saying further cuts could impact community safety.

The current funding formula includes a reduction in the police budget of $11 million over two years, including $5.5 million in 2022.

“I want to assure council that working within the assigned budget under the police funding formula, the police commission is delivering on council and the public’s vision for policing in Edmonton,” said Micki Ruth, chair of the Edmonton Police Commission.

Police Chief Dale McFee indicated that any further cuts to the policing budget would mean a reduction in service at a time when he says Edmontonians are calling for an increased police presence in some areas of the city.

During his budget presentation, Chief McFee outlined an increase in average crime severity in downtown Edmonton, as well as at city transit centers.

“Let me make it abundantly clear: Edmonton has a crime problem that’s existed for many years,” McFee said. “One that simply moving money around won’t fix.”

McFee said the police service has received consistent feedback from downtown businesses and residents that they want increased relationship building, communication, transparency, and visibility from police.