While the demand for police services continues to grow, the rate of police officers per 100 thousand population IN 2019 fell one per cent from 2018 due to population growth. Statistics Canada says police forces saw a six per cent increase in calls in 2018/19 from the previous year.

Our police have a lot on their plate, day-to-day. Stats Canada says, in addition to administering and maintaining the law and ensuring public safety, officers are one of the first responders to mental health calls, drug overdoses, suicides, public disturbances, motor vehicle accidents, and many other community well-being and safety issues that may not be criminal.

COVID has expanded the role of police to include enforcing legislation related to containing the pandemic. That includes municipal bylaws, provincial health emergency acts, and the federal Quarantine Act.

Statistics Canada says, despite Canada having 186 more officers in May 2019 compared to the same point in 2018, the growth of the population between those dates resulted in the lowest rate of police officers recorded since 2001. The rate was 183 officers per 100 thousand population in 2019; one per cent lower than the previous year. Stats Canada says the rate has been dropping steadily since 2011.