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A relatively new process assumed by the force is human resources planning. A proposal was recentâ€" ly submitted to the Police Services Board which represents the first Human Resources Strategic Plan developed by an Ontario police service. Based on a series of recent reports related to police recruiting, the strategy is very much warranted. Torigian noted that applications for constable positions currently total approximately 400 annuâ€" ally, compared with 2,000 in past years. Comâ€" pounding the drop in potential recruits is an escaâ€" lating retirement rate that is generally prevalent in large forces across Ontario. Also noted were the growing TOD] parallels in business practices between the police force and AND AR many private sector companies throughout Waterloo Region. Torigian emphasized that his organization is developing a culture of planning through strategic plans, business and operational plans, activity plans and meaningful annualized reporting. Torigian was recently appointed to his current position following over 20 years of service with the force, most recently as deputy chief of administraâ€" tion. He follows the distinguished career of Larry Gravill, who retired as the longestâ€"serving leader of a municipal force in Canada, a significant accomplishment fl tm Cl ts given the demands and presâ€" BUS sures of these positions. w Torigian provided a brief perspective on the comparison of Waterloo Region to 27 other urban areas across Canada. Locally, we have the fourth lowâ€" est rates in both property crimes and violent crimes. In 2006, the overall reported crimi nal code rate declined by four per cent, which included improvements in cases solved and reduced personal injury collisions. ast week, our chamber was fortunate to host I police Chief Matt Torigian of the Waterloo egional Police Service for a luncheon speak ing engagement. The business of policing and registration go to www.vitisvitae.com or call 519â€"400â€"6228 Limited Seating â€" for more information WINE TASTING EVENTS $45 per person including all taxes GUELPH February 12 â€" Wines of Italy KITCHENER/WATERLOO February 19 â€" Wines of Spain VITIS VITAE PRESENTS EVENTS HELD MONTHLY TODD LETTS AND ART SINCLAIR Torigian, like many senior public officials > across Waterloo Region, will be facing a series of challenges as our population grows and competiâ€" tion for recruits intensifies. However, it appears the force is well positioned to move forward with the implementation of effective strategic planning processes, particularly in the human resources portfolio. _cdlit, The staffing shortage is also TX d appearing prominently on the t | || provincial and national policy | â€" agendas. Ontario Minister of § "ill | Community Safety and Correcâ€" "WVYMR OB | | tional Services Rick Bartolucci i recently called on the federal government to honour a fundâ€" i%Tg[ilR J ing commitment on the hiring of 2,500 new frontâ€"line police â€"=â€"â€"â€"â€"_J) officers across Canada. The Ontario government has requested that the OPP receive oneâ€"half of the new Ontario allocation, with special considerations on northern and First Nations policing. In September of last year, the local force had 12 openings for constables, but could only fill 10 posiâ€" tions. The crusade for police recruits was elevated last November when representatives of the Calgary Police Service arrived in Toronto to attract skilled applicants. According to their news release, the Calgary service was facing a staffing shortage origiâ€" nating from retirements, attrition and population growth. A previous practice of Eessm â€" charging applicants a $450 fee ESS for testing has been waived and Migid other modifications proposed l; RS to accelerate the application process. An annual target of 200 M new recruits for the next two f F3 years is anticipated to compleâ€" S fg' * ment the existing force of 1,600 oV < t P officers. Todd Letts is president and CEO and Art Sinclair is director of economic development for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Ontario‘s largest accredited Chamber of Commerce. www.yncu.com Locations in Brantford, Cambridge, Kitchener, LaSalle, Paris, Waterloo, Windsor 168 King StS _ 1334 Weber St E, 519.894.9700 _ 385 Hespeler Rd 519.579.1860 685 Fischerâ€"Hallman Rd, 519.744.5921 519.622.3377 Would like to cangratulate the following individuals = for their awards of achievement. ‘Thank you for all your hard work as a valuable member of the Forbes Waterloo Mazda team. 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