You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

The latest budget update from the Winnipeg Police Service reveals a concerning trend: overtime costs have skyrocketed this year, with a 17% increase compared to the same period last year.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

By the end of 2024, these costs are forecasted to hit an eye-watering $11.8 million — a staggering 57% rise from 2023. This is not just a budgetary issue — it’s a symptom of a system under severe strain — where police officers are stretched thin, working beyond their limits to keep our streets safe.

As police board chair Coun. Markus Chambers said in a recent interview, “The overtime levels are not sustainable.” I agree, and I’ve been saying so for years. But while the conversation around policing in Winnipeg often gets hijacked by loud social media voices and fleeting trends, the core issue remains the same: we need more police officers, not just to curb these unsustainable overtime costs but to ensure that our city remains safe and livable.

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of The Winnipeg Sun's Daily Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try........

© Winnipeg Sun