The Town of Sylvan Lake is considering whether it’s time to add another police officer.
Mayor Susan Samson said the community aims to have one officer per 800 residents. However, the latest census shows that the fast-growing community has topped 12,300, meaning there is one officer per 866 people.
Those numbers don’t tell the whole law enforcement story, though. The community can also draw upon three full-time and two part-time bylaw enforcement officers.
As well, town council sets aside $60,000 for “enhanced policing.” That money is provided to the 14-strong local RCMP detachment so they can pay for additional officers during peak periods, such as the Canada Day weekend.
Samson said council has asked administration to compile a report on whether more policing is needed.
“So we need more information to say are we really little out of synch or have we addressed that shortfall with these other programs in place,” she said.
Council plans to make a decision at the last meeting in June.