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Candidates say understaffed, underpaid police and retention problems threaten public safety
Summary
At the forum, candidates described police understaffing and pay/retention issues, advocated for recruitment, reserve units, community policing and prevention programs focused on children; the fire department’s ISO rating and first-responder cooperation were also highlighted.
Public safety was a prominent topic at the Jacksonville candidate forum, with multiple candidates citing staffing and retention problems for police and paramedics as immediate budget and operational concerns.
"Our police department ... they are understaffed and severely underpaid," said Brad Brown, a Ward 2 candidate, adding that low pay harms retention and morale. Several candidates recommended reviewing the city budget…
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