Police cuts would hurt city, say Calgary groups

Five groups including an energy company have bought a full-page newspaper ad, urging Calgary city council to protect the police force from budget cuts.

"Police budget cuts would result in an significant setback to the public safety of all Calgarians," reads the $10,000 ad on page B5 of Tuesday's Calgary Herald.

The open letter to city council is signed by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Crime Stoppers, the Calgary Downtown Association, the National Energy Security Professionals and Penn West Energy.

Maggie Schofield, executive director for the Calgary Downtown Association, said the ad is meant to inform Calgarians of the implications of police cutbacks.

"Police are not asking for any increase in budget. They're asking to stay the course," she told CBC News. "They've been wildly successful with it and we want to see that fulfilled for all of the citizens of Calgary."

The ad argues that an increased police presence has led to a decline in violence and drug activity on Calgary streets.

"To the extent that police presence is reduced, it will undoubtedly lead to a corresponding rise in the criminal presence and activity with an even greater future cost to return it to current levels," says the ad.

5% police budget cut proposed

All city departments are being asked to find savings of $60 million to make up a revenue shortfall in this fall's budget.

The Calgary Police Service — which makes up the largest single chunk of the city's spending — faces a cut of about five per cent or $14.8 million. Calgary police Chief Rick Hanson said that equals the elimination of 120 positions.

'I believe that I was elected to make decisions on facts, not on emotion.' —Ald. Jim Stevenson

Earlier this month, city council rejected a motion — by one vote — to pre-approve the police budget, effectively protecting it from any cuts.

"I believe that I was elected to make decisions on facts, not on emotion," said Ald. Jim Stevenson on Tuesday, defending his opposing vote.

"I've supported the police on everything that they've asked for. But to be asked to pre-approve a portion of the  budget without knowing what the facts are, I believe is wrong and it's irresponsible as a council for us to do that."

Hanson said it's gratifying that Calgarians appreciate his officers' work.

"To have the success that we've had downtown, which is just one area of the city, but then to have it recognized by the groups that have signed off on that ad is really gratifying to see that not only they appreciate it, but that they want to see it continue to go," he told reporters on Tuesday.