In the next five years, it is estimated Guelph police will lose about 14 per cent of its current headcount to retirement.
The number came as part of an annual report on human resources, presented to the Guelph Police Services Board Thursday afternoon.
It also comes with some good news in filling those positions, as applications to the force are trending towards pre-pandemic levels this year.
Last year, the report said there was a slight increase in retirements and resignations, as 16 workers gave notice. That is compared to 13 such notices in 2022.
There were 11 police officer retirements in 2021 alone.
It is estimated 49 people will retire between 2024 and 2028, including 12 this year and 12 in 2027.
Among the 49 are two police executives, one this year and one next year.
The retirement projections come from analyzing employee demographics, says the report. That includes the average age and years of service at retirement over the last 10 years, a figure that hasn’t changed all that much.
The average age of retirement within the service in the last 10 years remains at 56, while police members tend to retire at 30 to 35 years of service.
“With upcoming retirements, anticipated vacancies for maternity and other authorized leaves, and ongoing pressures due to accommodations and leaves, the service continues to strategize various options at the senior leadership level to manage these gaps,” said the report.
“Some of these strategies include ongoing workforce assessments, temporary redeployment to cover critical areas, ongoing enhancement to disability management services, temporary contract coverage, consultation with police services across the province, continuous commitment to training and development, mentoring assignments, exploring new programs and supports and workplace flexibility.”
In addition to retirements and resignations, the service currently has 31 police members on leave. OF that, 26 are due to injury or illness, while another five are on maternity or parental leave.
But the service added 18 of those positions have been backfilled.
Ten civilian members are on medical leave. Five spots have been backfilled.