As the North Bay Police Service tries to navigate a new police budget, it also continues to try to move forward with more than 25 members of the police service on long-term leave.
"The North Bay Police Service currently has 28 members off on long-term absence out of a total membership of 194," stated David Woolley, corporate communications officer with the North Bay Police Service.
See related: North Bay Police looking for significant budget increase for 2025
That number is down from 35 reported in August of 2023.
"Emergency service workers face highly stressful, dangerous, and potentially traumatic experiences on a daily basis," Woolley continued.
"The reality our members face when keeping the people of North Bay safe can result in situations in which they are required to be on leave, seeking treatment for injuries both physical and mental, for extended periods of time.
"As a service, we are dedicated to ensuring our members are supported when they are at work or in the rare instances where they are required to take time away from work to receive appropriate support. Their wellness is of paramount importance and we will continue to support them as best we can."
It's been a challenging year for the North Bay Police Service as it has dealt with trying to fill multiple positions within the service including vacant civilian dispatching jobs.
In 2024, the service hired three experienced officers and a group of rookie recruits.
In April, the service had five recruits sworn in during a police awards ceremony.
