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Cops want a lot more funding e fromn HIKE on page 1 the cost of provincial downloading- works out to $11 more per average Halton household, or $194 total per year for polie- ing as opposed to $183 in 1997. Ater Irunrg about $350,000, this is lown a fraction from the 9.3 per cent budget increase presented to the board previously. Chief Campbell explained he will seek money from the provincial Special Transition Fund to cover the additional $450,000 cost of patrolling and enforce- ment on Highways 5 and 25 transferred to Halton from Queen's Park. With salaries and henefits the largest component af police expenditures, Chief Campbell explained bis budgetary hands are somewhat tied: 5.8 per cent of the 8.3 per cent increase stems from negotiated settiements. Having said that, the chief launched into bis hypothetical cuts that would adversely influence the "priority functions"' of police, nainely to patrol, rcspond and investlgate. A variety of other mandated' Police Services Act functions would likewise be compromised, he said. Layoffs of uniformed and civilian per- sonnel were what he saw as the most vex- ing impacts, a move that would necessitate a hearing before the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services. Other proposed cuts included seven of 1l education services officers, oeducing al office hours, reducing the Intelligence Unit and re-organizing the Criminal l, ïI]' MONr Investigation Bureau. 'if we lay off ail these people, we don't need a recruitment officer," said Chief Campbell, who explained that with these additional officers in the field, fine new fonstahkýs wouid ho let go. Patrotting the new highways would be donc with existing personnel. "We're spreading our resources thinner," said Chief Campbell. Other deep cuts he outlined, but did flot recommend, ranged from eliminating pris- oner escort officers and reducing patrols on highways to dropping the pipe band and honour guard, as well as canceling the force's 25th anniversary activities. Revenue recovery, such as increasing (aIse alarm fees and charging for use of the children's Safety Village program in Oakville, might also have to be considered, he said. Halton's Region's crime rate per capita is the lowest in Canada for municipalities of more than 100,000. While no concrete evidence exists indi- cating Halton's proactive - rather than reactive - measures account for this, Chief Campbell and other board members said they'd rather flot tind out at the com- munity's expense. The planned hiring of four constables should stay in, said Chief Campbell, to stop the further slide of an officer-to-popu- lation ratio that is already in trouble. Mr. Taylor refuted that idea and said he preferred assurances first that such person- nel were "absolutely essential." Board member Jack Brewer said police personnel should flot be penalized because crime rates are going down. 1I think the budget presented has been shaved of ail extras that can be shaved," said board member Kelly Culin. Added member Tony Gabriel: "We would be slipping if we were even think- ing of cutbacks at this time." Grimé Stoppers 0 F H A LT 0ON Cops hunt a gunman Police in Milton seek information that could help identify the lone gunman responsible for a hold up in the downtown area a week ago. At 8:45 p.m. Thursday, February 26, a man entered M&M Meats on Main Street at Ontaio Street. He approached the cierk and demanded money from the tili. When the victim hesitated, the suspect produced a handgun and repeated his demand. Aliter receiving a small amount from the register, the culprit fled through the rear door. He ran south across Pearl Street and was last seen running between the Seniors' Centre and the library. The person souglit by police was described as maie, white, 20 to 30 years of age, six feet taîl, with a medium build. He wore a black ski mask and light-coloured clothing. If you happened ro pass by the area that night and saw something. or if you think you can suggest a possible suspect, Crime Stoppers would like to hearfrom you. You could earn a cash reward. You need not give your naine, and your information con be taken with complete anonymity. Crime Stoppers does not sub- scribe to Cali Display. Cal 1-800-222-TIPS or 825-8477. th e Sleep Factory 1 ý-- ) 1