Timmins police hiring specialists in modernization push

Timmins police are hiring new support staff as part of a modernization push. The chief says the new roles will reduce officer paperwork and improve efficiency.

The Timmins Police Service is undergoing a modernization effort, with Chief Sydney Lecky stating that the force is “overdue” in updating its operations.

As part of this initiative, the service is in the process of hiring a finance associate. The application period for the role closed on July 10 and submissions are currently under review.

Lecky emphasized that this is one of several new positions being introduced to enhance the department’s efficiency. The Timmins police have already hired a human resources manager and an IT professional, while additional roles – including records staff and team lead positions – are also being created.

Catching up with modern policing demands

“These are all positions that are just a key part of modern policing, and some of it’s catch-up – it’s all really catch-up,” Lecky said.

He explained that the expansion is necessary to manage growing administrative and reporting responsibilities. “Overall, it’s just to deal with the growth and the accountability and the reporting requirements. It’s not just about getting grants, but we have to report on the grants and how we’re using the funds,” said Lecky.

A strengthened support system, Lecky added, allows officers to focus more on policing rather than paperwork.

Ontario chiefs advocate for broader policing role

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) supports this approach, acknowledging that administrative tasks are not what draw individuals to a career in law enforcement. The OACP is currently running a recruitment campaign called Answer The Call, aimed at attracting candidates who want to contribute beyond traditional law enforcement.

“Our police officers today are very eager to be part of the solution – a social solution where we can try and solve social problems,” said Joe Couto, OACP’s director of government relations and communications. “When we solve those social problems, they are much less likely to become criminal problems. Today’s police officers really need to be in that mindset. Part of our campaign is to say, you could be more than just a law enforcer – you can be part of the solution to social issues, economic issues, poverty issues, all of the other issues.”

Technology demands additional support

Lecky highlighted that as officers increasingly rely on mobile workstations in their vehicles, they require robust support at the station – particularly with the upcoming installation of automated license plate readers and in-car cameras.

He pointed out that these technologies generate substantial amounts of digital evidence, necessitating dedicated personnel to manage and process the data efficiently. These factors, the police board said, underscore the need for the newly created positions within the Timmins Police Service.