Nelson’s police chief says a new deployment model with extra staffing has allowed them to keep their important beat officer.
Paul Burkart says despite ongoing injury issues the fact they now have 18 officers means they can keep someone on foot patrol.
Burkart says two thirds of all police injuries are due to physical altercations from mental health calls.
But an eighteenth officer is now part of the crew after completing her training.
A part-time officer is working the summer to cover for a colleague who’s off injured until next year.
As of August 15 the front counter at the NPD will no longer stay open 24/7, freeing up civilian staff for other tasks.
