The mayor of Nelson says council is giving serious consideration to a call for two more police officers but alternatives are also being explored.
Deb Kozak says some of the non front-line stressors on police officers could perhaps be shifted to administrative or civilian personnel.
And she adds not knowing how much the next round of collective bargaining contracts will cost the city, is also a factor they need to consider.
Two more officers would cost about $176,000 a year and rise after that.
Police Chief Wayne Holland says his department currently does not have safe or appropriate numbers and the extra personnel are needed now.
Kozak says before council makes the budget decision they’re awaiting more info on if and how other community services or Interior Health could play a role in areas such as helping to deal with increasing mental health call-outs.
