Menomonee Falls police report shows staffing shortfalls and drop in major crimes in second quarter

Chief Waters, chief of the Menomonee Falls Police Department, told the Village Board that the department is operating below its authorized sworn strength and continues active recruitment while reporting a notable decline in major crimes in the second quarter.

The report matters because staffing levels and training timelines affect patrol coverage, response capacity at community events and the department’s ability to sustain directed patrols in village parks.

Chief Waters said the department is authorized for 65 sworn officers and, “We have 61 currently assigned” as of the end of the second quarter. He later described the department as having 60 assigned “as of today,” reflecting personnel changes since the quarter closed. Civilian staffing was listed as 13.5 authorized and 12.5 assigned; the department said it is actively recruiting a data analyst.

Waters described current vacancies and leaves: one sergeant vacancy, four officer vacancies, and three members on military leave. He said 53 of the 65 authorized sworn officers are fully trained and operational and therefore count toward deployable staffing. The department expects three new hires to enter the WCTC law enforcement academy this month; Waters said they will graduate in December, enter field training in…