Police budget down a bit

The Hamilton police budget increase has been reduced slightly because of a cancelled course at the Ontario Police College.

The college has cancelled basic constable training for May. That will save Hamilton police about $255,000 by delaying the hiring of 20 new officers. As a result, Chief Glenn de Caire has reduced his proposed budget increase from 3.9% to 3.7%. The police budget goes to Hamilton city council Thursday. Council had asked all city departments not to submit budgets with increases.