Councilwoman warns city could face a police staffing crisis as officers leave for state program

Councilwoman Snodgrass raised alarms about staffing levels in the Charleston Police Department during member remarks and urged the administration to prioritize pay and recruiting as the budget cycle approaches.

Snodgrass said the department is "budgeted" for 174 uniform officers but that two weeks earlier the active count was about 153. She cited a West Virginia State Police ‘‘Blue to Green’’ transfer program that allows certified officers to transfer and said such incentives make it attractive for officers to leave municipalities for state positions. "We have to give these guys that we still have an opportunity to stay working for the city of Charleston," she said. (Councilwoman Snodgrass)

A staff member responded to a question about vehicle assignment and take-home policies, saying that most of the purchased vehicles are not take-home assignments and that the city currently has "around 10 take home vehicles," with take-home status varying by department and position. The staff member noted take-home privileges are typically granted to those prone to be called out on nights and weekends. (Staff member)

Snodgrass urged that the administration include competitive pay in the upcoming budget to avoid a recruitment and retention crisis. The council did not take formal action during the meeting on staffing or compensation; the mayor and council members acknowledged the concern and the budget process was invoked as the next vehicle for action. (Councilwoman Snodgrass; Mayor)

What happens next: Staffing and compensation issues were raised as the council begins the budget process; follow-up through the finance committee or a staffing report would be the expected next steps.