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WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19,1989, PAGE 17 101 hired as police fight drugs By Mike Johnston A increase in drugs and street gang activity has been cited as the reason for the hiring of 101 new officers and civihans by * Durham Regional Police in 1989. "There are more drugs on the streets, schools and workplaces than ever before. If we don't get E at it we will be the losers for it," said police chief Dave Edwards when he appeared before the Region's finance and administ- ration committee last week for a review of the department's 1989 budget. E dwards said the number of charges under the Food and Drug Act dropped 7.8 per cent last year. He said the decrease wasn't because of fewer drugs, but rather due to an insufficient number of officers to patrol the Region. Edwards also said street gangs are now operating in Durham Re on. ' e have to get out there before them," said Edwards, jus- tifying the new officers. He pointed out that there was a recent stabbing in Pickering. Although he wouldn't state speci- fically that it was gang-oriented, he said it involved one group of youths against another. "We have to be proactive," said Edwards. The police commission has asked for 74 fourth-class con- stables, five cadets and 23 civi- lians. The force now numbers 456. Edwards explained that as the Metropolitan Police department cracks down on youth gangs in their region, the gangs are mov- ing into Durham. Whitby 18 division staff sar- geant William VanDoleweerd said Whitby is not facing a gang problem. He said, however, that Whitby police have been getting calls about large number of youths 'hanging out' at the Whitby Mall. "They are not gangs, it is just a number of kids. This is a bad time of year with the cool weather. e want to be indoors and McDonalds is close by," said Vandoleweerd. He said the kids have num- bered in the hundreds at times. "We get the odd call for assault. It's kids from Henry Street and Anderson. They dont mix too well," he added. "But they're not gangs. It's just a place to meet for them." The police have asked for $34.7-million in their 1989 budget, an increase of 14 per cent over last year. The commission had asked for $38.3-million in January. By hir- ing 101 new employees through- out the year, the commission has saved $3.5-million although their salaries will have to be annual- ized next year. The 101 employees are expec- ted to cost $1.7-million this year, and when annualized in 1990, an additional $2.7-million. Edwards told committee that Durham covers the second-lar- gest area within the Metro area, has the fifth-highest population but only the eight-highest police officer-to-resident ratio. He estimated Durham has one officer for every 793 residents. Haldimand-Norfolk has the lowest ratio at one officer for every 460 residents, according to Edwards. EWe had no hiring in 1982, 1983 and 1984 and since then we have started to pick up the pace. But with what we want this year it still brings us below the 1988 average for regional police forces, said Edwards. Edwards said it would cost each Durham resident 25 cents a day for the police force if regional council approves the $34-million budget. Of the 78 constables and cadets, the police budget notes four would be for Whitby 18 division. Edwards said that figure could fluctuate as the situation warrants. The budget also contains $20,000 for expansion of the Whitby station parking lot; $378,000 for 21 new marked and unmarked cars; $362,400 for replacement of 27 vehicles; and $90,000 for the extension of the criminal investigation bureau at police headquarters in Oshawa. One item questioned was a SIT camera. Deputy chief Doug Bulloch explained that a SI'T camera allows police video surveillance at night. Hé explained the department is getting more and more into video since the courts have been putting less emphasis on officer's statements. The de rtment has been asked bythe committee to take one more look at decreasing its budget. Agreement ratified The negotiating committees for the Durham Board of Education and CUPE Custodial/Main- tenance have ratified a two-year agreement, effective April 1, 1989 to March 31, 1991. Custodians and maintenance workers will receive a 4.5 per cent wage increase in each of the tw'o years of the contract, along with a special one-time market adjustment of 3 per cent in the first year and 2 per cent in the second year to bring salaries in line with others in the region. On May 1, 1989, a vision care allowance of $150 in any 24- month eriod and the 1988 Ontario ental Association sche- dule of fees will become effective. On April 1, 1990, the 1989 Ontario Dental Association sche- dule of fees and orthodontics will become effective. The contract will represent an increased cost to the board of $797,056 or 7.18 per cent in the first year and $761268 or 6.40 per cent in the second year. The Corporation of the Town of Whitby1 seeking qualified candidates for a Foreman in the Parks & Recreation Department. Management position. QUALIFICATIONS CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF WHITBY REQUIRES A FOREMAN OF FACILITIES is currently of Facilities This is a Graduate from a Post Secondary Institution in Facilities Management, Building Sciences, or Recreation Leadership; two (2) to four (4) years on-the-job experience, particularly in the operation and maintenance of arenas/pools with associated supervisory responsibilities; must be able to communicate orally and in written form in a clear and concise manner; well-developed interpersonal and public relations skills; ability.to work with a minimal amount of supervision. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Manager of Facilities, the Foreman of Facilities is responsible for the daily management and daily co-ordination of the Facility Division's building and maintenance management system, computer energy system, and the maintenance and cleaning of a large inventory of buildings throughout the Town. SALARY Salary subject to skill, ability, and qualifications. April Applications are to be forwarded no later than 28th, 1989 to: Personnel Department, The Corporation of the Town of Whitby, 575 Rossland RoadEast, Whitby, Ontario L1N 2M8 Note: We thank all those persons who apply but advise acknowledgement will only be forwarded to those applicants whn are invited for an interview.