Fort Pierce review finds staffing, training and evidence-handling gaps; commissioners call for rapid follow-up

A consultant hired by the City of Fort Pierce found the police department understaffed, pressed by higher-than-expected workload and turnover, and using several processes that the consultant says should be modernized.

The final "Police Operations and Data Analysis Report" by the Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) recommended changes ranging from pay-and-retention reviews to replacing some sworn positions with civilian staff, modernizing policies and procedures, improving training and clarifying evidence-handling procedures.

CPSM reviewed calls-for-service data and department organization, interviewed staff and compared Fort Pierce to nearby agencies. The consultant, Michael J. Jones (CPSM), told the commission the department should set minimum patrol staffing levels (a CPSM recommendation: 15 sworn officers per shift as a baseline) and said retention has become a national problem with local effects. "From the very first of the hiring process until an officer is fully trained to go solo in the field is usually about 9 months to a year and it could cost almost a hundred thousand dollars," Jones said.

Why it matters: commissioners said the findings intersect with public safety, city reputation and budgeting priorities. Commissioner Chris Taylor stated he had reached a conclusion after the presentation: "I'm ready for a…