Incumbent Mayor Brian Bigger said if he’s re-elected he’ll support the hiring of more police officers.
In a release issued today, he said the “evolving and changing face of crime” requires more resources.
“I’ve been listening to residents from across our city, people who come downtown and most importantly our leaders at the GSPS and I know there is a need for more officers patrolling the city, being present downtown and online,” Bigger said. “With the legalization of marijuana, increased mental health issues and cyber-crime all impacting the workload on our hard-working officers, I’m here to offer my support and let them know I will advocate for a stronger police service.”
Below is the full text of Bigger’s statement
Today Mayor Brian Bigger has announced that if re-elected he will support the hiring of more police officers to combat what is an evolving and changing face of crime in Greater Sudbury.
“I’ve been listening to residents from across our City, people who come downtown and most importantly our leaders at the GSPS and I know there is a need for more officers patrolling the City, being present downtown and online,” Bigger said. “With the legalization of marijuana, increased mental health issues and cyber-crime all impacting the workload on our hard-working officers, I’m here to offer my support and let them know I will advocate for a stronger police service.”
Earlier this week, Greater Sudbury Police Chief Paul Pedersen told the Police Services Board that there has not been a new police officer hired since 2011. In his next term as mayor, that will change.
“I’m here to offer my full support to the Greater Sudbury Police Services. If we want our community safer, if we want our seniors and children not vulnerable when they go online, if we want to finally take the steps to make our downtown a place where residents, tourists and visitors can come any time of the day or night – we need police to be present. It’s time we caught up to the changing times and hired more officers.”
