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But his proposal is actually $63-million over the target that the Toronto police services board vowed to meet in 2013 during the last round of budget’s deliberations.

The 2012 budget for Toronto police is $935.7-million. The target set by the city is $927.8-million because it subtracts the cost of guarding the city’s beaches and helping school children cross the street, which the city has agreed to assume.

The chief says he needs to hire officers, not lay them off, and his request includes launching new recruit classes to bolster ranks that have dwindled in recent years through attrition.

Toronto police has an approved strength of 5,604. The chief says he can deliver the same level of service with 5,400. By the end of the year, the number is expected to hover around 5,380. Another hiring freeze, plus layoffs, would see numbers sink to 5,061 in 2013, Chief Blair wrote.

“Further, the actions required to achieve these reductions are beyond my control, and must be acted on by the Board,” he added.

Last year, the city tried to get the force down to an $886-million budget. The police board resolved to achieve the 10% cut over two years.

Budget Chief Mike Del Grande hasn’t forgotten about that timeline. “The board made commitments and let’s see what the board’s commitment is,” he said.

National Post

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