[whatnext]

WTF, why is the mayor and council cutting $8 million out of policing behind closed door without consulting the Police Chief? Maybe keep libraries closed one day a week?!

....Vancouver Police Chief Const. Adam Palmer said he’s surprised the city has asked for a reduction to frontline response during the pandemic.

“Since the pandemic began, police officers have been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patrol officers have been on the frontline, putting themselves at risk, to keep the city safe,” he says in a release.

“Police cannot reduce or defer frontline work, as in-progress emergencies have continued throughout the city.”

He added crime has not stopped, nor have calls from the public.

“I appreciate the hardship faced by employees of the city, the library, and the park board who have recently received lay-off notices. I do not want to minimize the impact the pandemic has had on these employees and their families,” Palmer said.

“However, it’s important to take into consideration that there was a corresponding reduction in their workload due to closures as a result of physical distancing rules. This has not been the case for police.”...

https://www.citynews1130.com/2020/05/14/vancouver-council-cuts-police-budget-8-5-million/