Police chief wants $7.1 million budget increase

Edmonton Police Chief Rod Knecht is asking for a $7.1 million increase to his budget to pay for 31 new officers.

Last year, council turned down Knecht's request for an additional $6.5 million to hire 29 new officers.

This year, he is cautiously optimistic that council will fund his request. 

“We’ll get what we get, I hope we get what our ask is,” he said. “I think it’s a very conservative ask at the end of the day because we do need more.”

Knecht is also asking for council to fund 4 new civilian positions.

The draft city budget projected a 5.5 per cent property tax increase. The final budget must be passed by the end of December.