I would encourage those who are blasting the CPS and their spending to do two things:
1. Begin attending Calgary Police Commission Meetings (
Next Meeting). Ask questions from the people that have the actual answers. You don't believe the spending is justified, have a rational debate with the people that are in the know, but come with your A game because they will likely have their facts on point.
2. Attend your local district and request to go on a ride along with patrol Constables - begin to understand the realities of policing in Calgary. Go on two or three if you can, because one shift, while it may open your eyes, will not give you a full picture.
The sad fact is the reality of what actually happens on the streets of Calgary on a minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day basis is not accurately reflected in the media and is largely misunderstood by the public. The only way to start to understand it is to experience it for yourself. Talk to the members ask them about their thoughts on the new legislation( to go back to the original post), odds are they will be honest with you. Ask questions, respectfully, and start a dialogue instead of strictly acting on preconceived biases.
There are some bad cops out there, for sure, but to paint all cops as muscle head high school bullies is not only inaccurate, its also highly unfair to the members who work tirelessly to protect the vulnerable and hold the segment of society that do break the law and commit horrendous acts accountable for their actions.
If you've done those things and still think spending is out of control and all cops are bullies with badges then blast away, but i'm willing to bet there are very few critics in this thread that have even done one of the two.