Police in North Bay looking to fill 30 vacant positions

Being so short-staffed puts pressure on employees across the North Bay Police Service, said Chief Daryl Longworth. (File)

The North Bay Police Services Board says it could have a $750,000 surplus if it doesn’t hire people to fill vacancies in positions across the police agency.

"It's a daily challenge," said board member and North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico.

"You look at our hospital, you look at many government agencies. You look at the private sector. They can't get employees."

The board says police are short 30 staff, including 16 full-time civilian positions, 10 part-time civilian positions and four frontline officers.

Being so short-staffed puts pressure on employees across the service, said Chief Daryl Longworth.

"Our other officers and other members have really been stepping up and doing a lot of extra work to address those vacancies," Longworth said.

The shortage also means the overtime budget is slightly higher than projected.

"It is hard to attract and it's even harder to retain," Chirico added.

The vacancies are attributed largely to the police’s effort to scale up its digital evidence management capabilities, to bolster the 911 call centre and other areas of support staff.

"These are not extra budgeted positions. I’m not asking for more money or more people," Longworth said.

"These are positions that have already been budgeted for."

Digital evidence management clerks collect electronic evidence and prepare and provide content for legal purposes, among other duties.

While 911 call takers play a crucial role in getting officers and emergency crews the information they need to respond to incidents.

Longworth stressed that a career in policing has many benefits.

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"There are a lot of rewards that come with it and I’m not just talking financial," he said.

"The ability to help your community and do something and make a significant impact on your community."

He said filling the vacant positions will allow police to better perform at a higher standard.

Additional information about current job openings -- including salary and how to apply -- is available here.