Police Chief calls for urgent hiring amid rising crime

During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on pressing issues within the local police department, including vehicle usage, staffing shortages, and the need for additional officers.

A key topic was the temporary use of a Mitsubishi Outlander for prisoner transport, which currently lacks necessary emergency equipment such as lights and sirens. Officials discussed the feasibility of equipping the vehicle for this purpose while emphasizing the urgency of addressing the vehicle's condition.

The meeting also highlighted the department's staffing challenges. With two recent resignations, the police chief expressed the need to hire two new officers to alleviate the burden on current staff and reduce overtime costs. The chief noted that the department is currently incurring significant overtime expenses due to a shortage of personnel, which is exacerbated by the limited number of applicants for police positions.

To address these staffing issues, the chief proposed creating a list of potential part-time prisoner watch individuals to assist during busy periods. This would help manage the workload and ensure that officers are not pulled away from their primary duties. The requirements for these positions are minimal, primarily involving a background check and a commitment to monitoring prisoners.

Additionally, the chief discussed the potential for a program to recruit individuals off the street, sponsor their training at the police academy, and provide financial incentives to encourage them to join the force. This initiative aims to address the declining interest in police careers and improve department morale.

The meeting concluded with a call for further exploration of funding opportunities to support officer training and recruitment, as well as a commitment to revisit the hiring agenda in future meetings. The chief underscored the importance of addressing these issues promptly to ensure the safety and efficiency of police operations in the community.