'Critical mass shortage': VicPD offers $20K incentive to hire experienced officers
In an unprecedented move in B.C., the Victoria Police Department is offering a lucrative hiring bonus to get what it says are much-needed boots on the ground.
On Tuesday, the department announced that it would offer a $20,000 hiring bonus for new officers. It's the first time such an offer has been made by VicPD.
The bonus is an effort to attract 12 senior officers from across the country immediately.
"We are at that critical mass shortage right now," said Victoria Police Chief Del Manak.
"The 12 officers we are wanting to hire, and provide this $20,000 incentive for recruiting, is really to replace current vacancies," he said.
Manak says the department is facing a massive shortfall of frontline officers due to burnout, retirement and injuries.
"It's a prudent decision. It's a decision others in the private sector make all the time,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.
According to the police department, funding for the bonuses and new employees comes from within current budgets.
Manak says currently, the police department is 35 frontline positions short.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.