The North Bay Police Service has added a pair of new recruits to the service.
"Upon the successful completion of their training at the Ontario Police College, Jacob Dalton-Kaufman and Dustin Rice were sworn in as Constables with the North Bay Police Service and will begin their work patrolling the City of North Bay in the coming weeks," the North Bay Police Service stated in a release.
Scott Tod, North Bay's police chief, believes the new officers will bring a great level of enthusiasm to their work.
“They will be excellent additions to our team at the North Bay Police Service," said Tod.
“I am very happy with the addition of Constables Dalton-Kaufman and Rice to our team and the promotions of Staff Sergeant Long, and Sergeants Drolet and Honeysett."
“I am looking forward to working with these officers as they take on ever-increasing responsibilities within our organization,” said the North Bay Police Service Inspector of Operations, Jeff Warner.
“They share a common dedication to the policing profession and a commitment to the safety of our community."
See related: North Bay police promote new staff sergeant and two sergeants
Constable Jacob Dalton-Kaufman is a graduate of Mitchell District High School in Mitchell, near Stratford.
In 2017 Jacob relocated to North Bay to attend college here. Jacob received his Police Foundations Diploma from Canadore and his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Nipissing University.
Since completing his schooling Jacob has been working full-time with the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, Algonquin Regiment, as an Infantryman.
Dalton-Kaufman had obtained the rank of Sergeant and was primarily responsible for planning and facilitating training for a reserve Infantry platoon.
Constable Dustin Rice is a graduate of West Ferris Secondary School, Canadore College and Nipissing University.
Dustin received his Community and Justice Services Diploma from Canadore College and received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Nipissing University. Dustin started with the NBPS as a part-time Special Constable in November of 2022.
The two new hires are a welcome addition to a police service in need of more officers.
Currently, the North Bay Police Service has 35 members (including both sworn and civilian members) off work for an extended period of time. Members may take time away from work for many reasons, including receiving proper treatment for mental and physical health concerns, ongoing education, short- and long-term disability, parental leave, raising a child or care for an ailing loved one, or other personal reasons.
"Members of the North Bay Police Service take extended leaves of absence from work that vary significantly in length," stated David Woolley, corporate communications officer with the North Bay Police Service in an email to BayToday.
"Some leave and return to work after weeks or months, while others may be off work for longer. Because of this variation, any figure is simply a snapshot in time and does not tell the whole story.
"Member absences from work are the result of legislative requirements and collective agreement provisions and are a necessary part of running any large, modern organization that wishes to attract and retain talented employees and be inclusive in its workplace practices," continued Woolley.
"This is true for the North Bay Police Service and for police services across Ontario and Canada. We support our members when they make these difficult decisions and when those who can return to work do return to work. A healthy, motivated, and supported team is a strong team that can better serve the people of North Bay in our work ensuring public safety and bringing criminals to justice."