Timmins police face staffing shortages and off-road vehicle challenges

During a recent Timmins Police Services Board meeting, Timmins deputy police chief Darren Dinel provided an update on staffing levels and concerns about off-road vehicles. (File)

Staffing remains a challenge for the Timmins Police Service, but officials said efforts are underway to fill more than a dozen vacancies and strengthen recruitment.

During a recent Timmins Police Services Board meeting, deputy chief Darren Dinel provided an update on staffing levels.

He said two special constables recently left the organization. One had returned from retirement to serve an additional year, while the other resigned to pursue other opportunities.

“We actually have three other special constables that are undergoing their training now,” said Dinel.

Completing initial training

“They should be completing their initial training and going into the workforce and doing the jobs that are expected.”

He said the records and dispatch departments are fully staffed. However, recruiting sworn officers continues to be the organization’s most significant staffing challenge.

Police are authorized to employ 96 sworn officers, but currently have 81 sworn officers on staff. Of those, about 10 are currently on leave.

Dinel said several recruitment strategies are being explored, including targeted hiring campaigns and referral incentive programs to attract new officers to Timmins.

The meeting also included a discussion about the increasing presence of off-road vehicles on city streets where they are not permitted.

“It’s against the law. It’s been broadcast out there in the media. People have been pulled over, stopped and given the necessary offence notices for these things,” Dinel said.

“Plain and simple, it’s not allowed and our officers are going to go out there to conduct the enforcement that’s required.”

He added that there will be no tolerance for illegal off-road vehicles driving on city streets. Drivers caught violating the rules could face fines, licence suspensions or even vehicle impoundments.