BELLEVILLE, ON — On behalf of all Belleville Police Service members, the Police Service Board, Chair Heather Smith, and Chief Murray Rodd, the Belleville Police Service outlines the priorities and details of the proposed 2026 operating budget.

Each year, discussion around the Belleville Police Service’s operating and capital budget reflects how deeply our community cares about public safety. Residents deserve clarity about how their police service operates and what resources are required to keep Belleville safe. Every budget we put forward is the result of careful analysis, operational need, and responsible stewardship.

For 2026, the Police Service Board has approved an operating budget of $33,524,718, a 15% increase from the previous year, reflecting a necessary investment in service delivery. It ensures that our members have the tools, training, staffing, and support required to perform their duties safely, effectively, and in accordance with provincial standards.

The Belleville Police Service understands that community conversations about policing costs are important and expected. We want residents to know that our proposed 2026 Operating Budget reflects the realities of modern policing and the growth of Belleville itself.

Policing today is not the same as policing a decade ago. Calls for service are more complex, community expectations have increased, and provincial legislation requires specific standards for adequate and effective policing. As Belleville continues to grow, so does the demand for emergency response, neighbourhood patrols, investigations, technology, and officer training.

Policing is an investment in community safety, an investment in you, your home, your family, and your neighbourhood. It is an investment that delivers value every single day. Our officers provide frontline protection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that Belleville remains a safe and secure place to live.

Residents, neighbourhood associations, and businesses have repeatedly expressed a desire for more police visibility and quicker response times. To meet those expectations, the Service must maintain appropriate staffing levels, modern equipment, and mandated training that aligns with provincial standards.

I want to remind residents that this budget has been developed with transparency, accountability, and community safety at the forefront. We are committed to delivering effective policing while being mindful stewards of public funds. Increases in policing costs are not unique to Belleville; they are occurring across the province due to rising operational demands and legislative requirements.

The Belleville Police Service remains firmly committed to our mission to protect and serve this community every hour of every day.

Sincerely,


Heather Smith
Chair, Belleville Police Service Board

Murray Rodd
Chief of Police