The Police Services Board is under fire after it was revealed the chief and two deputy chiefs of the London Police Service received raised despite the force facing a deficit of $270,000.
But the board is defending the hike, especially for Chief Brad Duncan, who has been under a wage freeze along with the rest of the board for two years.
Board member Paul Paolatto says "The issue was that he was falling so far behind in terms of compensation...he's well regarded in the community amongst his peer group we were worried about it frankly and a bit embarassed for him."
Duncan received a $13,000 raise and will now earn $219,053 a year.
Despite the raise, Duncan is the second-lowest paid police chief among the 12 largest police services in Ontario.
Still, the police board is facing its first-ever deficit of close to $270,000 and will be asking the Corporate Services Committee to approve adding that amount to the police budget.
Some of the reasons being cited for the shortfall include the over $600,000 cut from the 2013 budget and the fact that less officers have been retiring than expected.
The vote to approve the money the police board is requesting will take place Tuesday.
