Police Funding: Supporting Safety and Planning Ahead

I support giving police the resources they need to keep our communities safe. Residents want a visible presence, timely help and confidence that serious crime is being addressed. At the same time, a significant investment should come with clear expectations, careful planning and an explanation of what it will deliver.

Peel Regional Police’s published 2026 operating budget is approximately $837.3 million, a 9.9 per cent increase over 2025. The budget supports 175 additional officers and 25 civilian professionals. Its business plan identifies historical underinvestment in staffing among the reasons for the increase, alongside growth, rising demands and the complexity of crime. Budgeted positions should be distinguished from people who have completed hiring and training and are available for deployment. ^{[1] [2]}

That raises an important question about planning: how did the gap develop, and what can we learn from it? I would ask regional decision-makers and the Police Service Board to examine the forecasts, assumptions and decisions that led to the need for catch-up funding. Understanding that history should help prevent a similar situation in the future.

Families think ahead when a mortgage renewal or a major expense is approaching. They look at what is coming, adjust their plans and scrutinize the rest of their budget. Public institutions should bring the same respect to the money residents contribute, through credible long-term forecasts and regular scrutiny of spending.

We should also examine how resources are used. Where would walking or cycling patrols improve visibility and relationships? Which responsibilities require a sworn officer, and where could qualified civilian staff or community partners provide appropriate support? Community liaison work can be a valuable policing role; it should not automatically be presented as a separate, cheaper alternative to constables.

Prevention deserves practical follow-through. Safe City Mississauga’s Neighbourhood Watch program includes community coordination and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, assessments. Those assessments can identify opportunities involving lighting, sightlines, access and the design of public spaces. Recommendations should have a responsible owner, an implementation timeline and a way to show residents what has been completed. ^[3]

I would press for clear reporting on when new resources reach the frontline, response times by call priority, overtime and progress on prevention work. We should also explore an initial target such as a 10 per cent reduction in selected priority offences, using an agreed baseline and reporting period. That would be a proposed benchmark to assess with police and community partners, not a guarantee or a blanket claim about all crime.

The results should guide our next steps. Where social conditions contribute to recurring problems, we need the right community partners. Where environmental design creates risks, we should address the design. Funding, prevention and accountability belong together. My goal is to support public safety today while planning responsibly for tomorrow.