Police Chief Bill Reid says there is a no layoff clause in the contract agreement with the Saint John Police Association and, after a fair number of retirements, the attrition rate is now low.
The Chief says one intangible to look at is the financial benefit of reducing the number of break and enters in the city which he estimates resulted in a savings to Saint Johnners of half a million dollars for 2011 and 2012.
Chief Reid concedes the police union will not agree to another wage freeze after the current contract expires at the end of this month and he doubts whether their expectations for increases can be met.
