In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding staffing shortages within the local prosecutor's office, highlighting a critical issue that could impact the prosecution of crimes in the area. The discussion centered around the challenges faced by the office, particularly the retention of deputy prosecutors amid competitive salary offers from the Attorney General's office.
One deputy prosecutor, with seven years of experience, has been offered a salary of $105,000 per year to work in Indianapolis, which includes a flexible work arrangement. Despite this enticing offer, the prosecutor expressed loyalty to the local office, but the situation underscores a broader problem: the potential loss of key staff members due to inadequate compensation.
The prosecutor emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that if more deputies leave, the office could be left unable to function effectively. With the possibility of losing up to three deputies, the prosecutor warned that the office may have to resort to legal action to address the staffing crisis. \"Crime doesn't stop,\" the prosecutor stated, stressing that the judicial system must continue to operate regardless of staffing levels.
The Attorney General's office has acknowledged the issue but indicated that the county council has not conducted a reasonable study to assess the compensation needs of the prosecutor's office, which has been overlooked for over two decades. This lack of action could have serious implications for public safety and the administration of justice in the community.