The London police force is losing staff, including six officers.
As well, five and a half civilian positions are gone.
The reductions, announced Wednesday, come through attrition, and include a staff sergeant and crime prevention officer.
Police Chief Brad Duncan says there was no choice.
“I cannot emphasize enough there’s no alternative for us.”
The cuts will save $1 million in the 2014-15 budget.
On the civilian side, 1.5 positions were eliminated in family consultants and victim services.
Kate Wiggins, of Women's Community House, was at the meeting and was upset at the news.
“Family consultants are lifesaving. They are very highly skilled and they are with people at the most vulnerable point in their lives,” she says.
Up to 95 per cent of the police budget goes to salaries.
Police board member Paul Paolatto says the province needs to step in.
“The Sunshine Lists are about to explode in this province.”
London police are also looking at saving an additional $600,000 by getting rid of overnight headquarters reception.
Meanwhile, police and civilian staff in Sarnia are getting a raise.
Mayor Mike Bradley says the three percent a year wage hike respects the city's economy.
The agreement calls for three per cent a year for the next three years.
With adjustments to benefits, the cost to the city averages out to 2.59 per cent per year.
“This is about a percentage higher than the settlements with our other bargaining units, excluding fire. But the reality is those other units have the ability to strike if they don’t like the settlement. Police and fire don’t have that option,” Bradley says.
By the contract’s end, a constable will earn a salary of about $96,000.
