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Florence residents and police chief raise alarm over staffing shortfalls; city points to technology, recruitment incentives
Summary
Resident concerns about a police shortage prompted a council discussion in which Police Chief Heiler said the department has 14 vacancies out of 95 authorized positions, is using cameras and drones to fill gaps, and is rolling out recruitment and retention incentives including sign-on bonuses.
A Florence resident warned the City Council that fewer officers on patrol can lead to higher crime and slower response times, saying understaffing erodes community trust and reduces proactive policing. Chief Heiler told council the department currently has 14 vacancies out of 95 authorized officer positions and additional staff out of street duty for training and family medical leave.
The concern, raised during the council's appearances-for-council segment by Pam Osborne, triggered an extended response from the police chief and questions from council members about steps the city is taking to address the shortage.
The chief said the…
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