Police board chair proposes extending incentives for new hires

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Fuelled by the modest success of its recent hiring campaign, the chair of the Timmins Police Services board is proposing to extend its offer of incentives in hopes of attracting a greater number of new officers.

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Earlier this year, TPS launched a two-pronged recruitment campaign, offering financial incentives to both new and experienced police officers who choose to work for the Timmins Police Service.

The campaign was launched in March and ended in mid-May.

At the TPS board meeting held Monday, board chair Kraymr Grenke pitched the idea of extending the incentives for another six months while also expanding the eligibility criteria.

“The last time we did it, it was for first class constables only from a previous police service. What if we looked at second, third or fourth class which means they’re done probation, they just haven’t been with a police service for four years?”

Ward 5 Coun. Kristin Murray, who serves as vice-chair on the board, said she would like to know more details before agreeing to it.

Grenke said he would do “some legwork,” prepare briefing notes for the board so they could hold another discussion, and potentially vote on how they want to move forward.

The board has another meeting scheduled next week.

As a result of the recent recruitment drive, TPS has five cadets graduating from the Ontario Police College next week. Grenke told The Daily Press they are also holding discussions with two experienced officers who are currently employed by other police services.

However, even if all seven candidates are hired, TPS will still be short-staffed.

TPS currently has a roster of 80 officers — which is 16 officers short of a full complement.

“I am going to the police college on Wednesday to go to the graduation for the five that are there now,” said Grenke. “So, they will come back and be on the road in the next couple of weeks as well. Then, we’re having discussions with a couple of direct hires right now that have been through the process. So, we are increasing the complement fairly quickly.”

The incentives announced in March saw TPS offering to cover the cost of tuition for any hired recruits completing their basic constable training at the Ontario Police College.

The Ministry of the Attorney General subsequently announced a similar incentive program on April 25th.

As part of its package of incentives, TPS also offered a $30,000 signing bonus to experienced officers with at least three years under their belt and offered a wage on a scale that would recognize their years of service, even if it wasn’t in Timmins.