reallocate at least 10% of the police's funding to community support
Police received $56 million in 2019.
That’s nearly 8x what we spend on Paramedic Services.
More than 33x what we spend on Public Health.
Almost 50x what we spend on Long Term Care and Seniors Services.
Our tax dollars are not infinite. Giving police such a disproportionate amount means we’re NOT giving other services the funding they need.
We need a more holistic approach to keeping our city and its residents safe.
Reallocation would take just 10% of the money that currently goes to police services and use that to invest in other programs that also support the people in our city.
Amber Beckett
shared this idea
At the Barrie City Council meeting on Monday June 29, 2020, Ward 2 Councillor Keenan Aylwin moved a motion in line with this suggestion and cited this suggestion when speaking to the motion. After a lengthy discussion, the motion failed. Please watch the proposed motion and Council discussion in full: https://youtu.be/gRC9MeD_M74?t=2541
As Council has discussed the suggestion and the motion failed, this suggestion has been classified as Received for Information.
Feedback and suggestions with regards to the 2021 Budget can be provided to the Police Services Board through several forums including email, deputations, and a Budget Questionnaire. Please learn more at www.barriepolice.ca/Budget.
And please be sure to engage with the City closer to the budget discussions later this year. Information will be made available at www.barrie.ca/budget and any engagement opportunities will be promoted.
Thank you for your engagement with the City’s suggestion forum!
Related links:
• Process for suggestions Under Review: http://bit.ly/1RNKheK
• Council & Committees: http://bit.ly/1XtdsII
• Communicating with City Council: http://bit.ly/1q3ApXS
• Legislative Information Portal: https://barrie.legistar.com
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Anonymous
commented
This is Definitely a Step in the right direction!
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Linda Laforge
commented
Reallocate 50% of the police budget to mental health, food security and affordable housing. Plus what everyone else said.
This needs time to make a mindful decision. -
Sarah Peart
commented
The head of the diversity board has openly admitted racism exist in the Barrie Police. We need immidiate action to reallocate funds to ensure that non forceful resources are showing up to non violent incidents. The police profession needs a complete overhaul it has become a breading ground for aggression and white supremacy.
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Jenna Zardo
commented
Reallocate 50% of the police budget to mental health, food security and affordable housing.
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Linda Wait
commented
“We need a more holistic approach to keeping our city and its residents safe”
It’s not unreasonable ask for the budget to be looked in a different context and to consider redistribution of funds.
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Cheryl Cairns
commented
Hear us!
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Nicole Dalcourt
commented
5.6 Million isn’t enough, but it’s a start. Redistribution of tax dollars towards prevention strategies (for issues Police shouldn’t even be dealing with) is long overdue.
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Anonymous
commented
Our police are facing issues and circumstances that are social and socioeconomic in nature, not legal or criminal. Help them concentrate on what they do best, and have specialized resources THEY can call on to deal with these issues that are not solved by arresting people
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Anonymous
commented
Please consider reallocating an appropriate amount to mental health, community support and reducing homelessness.
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Anonymous
commented
Put towards mental health and community support
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Myrna Clark commented
$5.6 million less seems a small deficit to police services and a healthy beginning infusion towards paramedics and/or the building of a better emergency mental health support team