The North Bay Police Services Board has approved the creation of nine new officer positions for this year.
The Board approved the hiring at its March 15 meeting and will see the hiring of three experienced police officers and six cadets who will begin later this year.
"This new hiring initiative comes in addition to the 2022 hiring of three cadets who are currently in training at the Ontario Police College and will see the North Bay Police Service’s sworn membership increase from 102 to 111, providing additional resources and personnel to ensure the safety and security of North Bay," says a news release.
“These new positions will ensure our officers continue to be supported in their job of keeping our community safe,” said NBPS Board Chair Dennis O’Connor. “We have the utmost confidence in the North Bay Police Service under the leadership of Chief Scott Tod and Deputy Chief Michael Daze and will continue to do everything in our power to support the Service’s sworn and civilian members.”
The creation of the nine new officer positions comes in addition to the creation of the position of wellness co-ordinator. That person will be responsible for ensuring officers receive appropriate mental and physical health support while on- and off-duty. The position will also chart the implementation of the Service’s Employee Health and Wellbeing Plan, which was approved in 2021.
In 2022, the North Bay Police Service hired three cadets, two Special Constables and a finance co-ordinator. The Service has hired seventeen new officers since 2019.
“My top priorities have been and will always be supporting our members and ensuring the safety of our community,” said Chief Scott Tod. “I am very happy that the Board approved our motion to create nine new officer positions. Once hired, these additional officers will provide us with additional boots on the ground, ensuring our members have the support they need to effectively combat crime in North Bay.”
