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Middletown police outline staffing gaps, recruitment plans and new grants for services and cameras
Summary
Chief reported staffing shortfalls that could reach eight vacancies by summer, scheduled hiring exams, a new records system rollout, and state and legislative grants including STRIVE funding (~$100,000) and $150,000 from Senator Scoofus for camera upgrades.
Middletown's police chief told the Police Commission the department faces multiple staffing changes, upcoming recruitment events and new grant-funded programs and equipment upgrades.
The chief said the department currently has three vacant sworn officer positions and 72 sworn personnel of a budgeted 75; he projected as many as eight vacancies by the summer. He reported one officer is in field training, two are in the police academy and one officer is on long-term illness. Two officers have begun transfer processes to other departments and the chief said transfers could take effect in late March.
The department has scheduled a police officer exam for May 3, 2025; the application deadline for civil service is March 31 at 12 p.m. The chief said a sergeant and detective exam is scheduled for June 14, 2025. He also said civil service will assist with a physical-agility test for eligible candidates on the current list; that agility test is scheduled for April 12, 2025. A dispatcher exam was requested but the date was not clearly specified in the transcript.
On staffing transitions, the chief said Lieutenant Patrick Cunningham retired from active duty on Feb. 13 but will remain on payroll while using accrued time, with an effective retirement date of April 29. Detective DeYoung is retiring effective March 27 and the chief asked whether the commission would be open to rehiring him in a part-time capacity; the chief said he would be a valuable resource.
The department has implemented a new countywide records management system and went live Feb. 10; the chief said officers are "working through the little struggles of a new system" and that the February monthly report might be delayed while issues are resolved. He also recognized Sergeant Kristen Beebe, Sergeant Scott Gallagher and clerk Dawn Graham for their work on the rollout.
On grants and programs, the chief said Middletown was selected for the state's STRIVE program (Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence) and expects approximately $100,000 to implement local services in partnership with Fearless, a domestic-violence advocacy organization, and local municipalities. He said the state program is part of a larger $23 million statewide initiative. The chief also said the department is receiving a $150,000 grant from Senator Scoofus to repair and expand the department's camera system.
The chief described community programs supported by the department, including a "Too Good for Violence" graduation at Maple Hill School and Matt Bennett assemblies at Middletown High School and two middle schools; he thanked Officer Gallerie for running youth programs. The chief invited the commission to a department awards ceremony on March 20 at Mount Carmel Community Center at 6 p.m., noting it coincides with the next commission meeting date.
