Police services board heard the number of applicants has dropped several hundred over the last decade
Some concerning recruiting statistics for Niagara Regional police since 2010.
Sergeant Rich Gadreau showed a recent police services board meeting back then there were close to 800 applicants, lately it's hovered around the 250 range.
He adds nowadays they'll reconsider a failed candidate, contrary to years past. "We lose quite a few to the psychological assessment. We find a lot of people that haven't been truthful, through the process, they've hidden stuff, so we have concerns with integrity. In this position I can't hire someone I don't think I can trust fully."
He says they continue to encourage women and minority groups to apply, including through a recent Niagara College/police career expo.
About 1,000 people showed up to that.
The Sergeant says part of that included more one on one interaction. "I think part of the issue we have overall is not just a Niagara issue, but it's a Canada issue, it's a North America issue with law enforcement, and I think it just takes time and we need to continue the good work we do on the front line."
Chief Bryan MacCulloch says the Ontario government has tried to help with tuition at police college. He adds police forces across the province compete for graduates. The board also heard graduates have an easier time choosing what force they want to work with, whether it's Niagara or Toronto.
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