Florence residents and police chief raise alarm over staffing shortfalls; city points to technology, recruitment incentives

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 department is pursuing technology investments and recruitment strategies to blunt the operational impact. He reported the city has contracted for 36 additional Flock cameras (an increase of six beyond an initial request for 30) that will bring the system to 66 cameras; is expanding a drone program with two additional autonomous drones to improve coverage on the South and West sides of town; and is developing a real-time crime center. He said the technology has helped solve crimes and reduced the need for officer response on some low-priority calls. He also described recruitment outreach including wrapped PDRTA buses, billboards, social media, and partnerships with HR.

City Manager Scottie Davis and the chief said recruitment and retention incentives are in place or under consideration: a $1,500 sign-on bonus, a $500 employee finder's fee, and a pending retention bonus being developed with human resources. Chief Heiler said most overtime is voluntary and managerial efforts are being made to protect officers' days off.

Council members pressed for specifics. Councilman Bailey asked whether the city is positioned to deploy the additional cameras; Heiler said the contract is signed and staff are determining strategic locations. Councilman Nesmith Jackson sought confirmation of the vacancy count; the chief repeated the figure of 14 open positions. The chief and council framed the staffing shortfall as part of a broader national trend that includes larger jurisdictions, and said the city's approach combines short-term technology investments with longer-term recruitment and retention work.

Public comments and councillors also emphasized community relations and the need to maintain in-person engagement where possible, while council members thanked first responders for their service.

The council did not take formal additional action during that segment beyond discussion and confirmation of existing recruitment incentives.