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Police chief details heavy call volume; council and residents respond with praise
Summary
Chief Craig Chaney told council the police department is handling high call volumes — reporting about 9,067 calls to date and being short-staffed — and several councilmembers and residents publicly thanked officers and apologized for derogatory remarks made at a recent festival.
North College Hill — During the public‑comment section on Oct. 20, Chief Craig Chaney delivered a detailed account of police activity and staffing, and several councilmembers and residents offered public appreciation and apology after officers reported being disparaged at the recent Fall Fest.
Chief Chaney said officers had written large numbers of citations and warnings this year and that the department was on pace for a five‑year high in enforcement. He reported the department had recorded 9,067 calls for service to date and projected about 11,200 calls for the year; the agency is staffed with 14 full‑time officers and is down four positions, he said. Chaney asked residents to consider the frequency and seriousness of calls officers handle when they see officers appearing to be idle between calls.
Councilmembers responded with public thanks, and several apologized that officers had endured derogatory comments while attending the Fall Fest as community participants. "They work hard," Councilmember Miss Dyer Chester said. Multiple speakers echoed appreciation for the police and for public works and other city staff who have been filling service gaps during staff transitions.
What happens next: Council did not take formal action on staffing or policy tonight; several members encouraged continued public support and asked that department performance and staffing be reviewed in the budget process and upcoming committee discussions.
