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Geneva police chief reports about 8,000 calls last year, flags staffing and training needs
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Summary
Police Chief Camper told the City of Geneva Council the department answered about 8,000 calls for service, is slightly below full staffing because of retirements, and is pursuing targeted traffic enforcement, expanded firearms training and possible drone capability.
Police Chief Camper told the City of Geneva Council on April 13 that the department answered "approximately 8,000 calls for service" last year and remains largely reactive to incidents.
"We answered approximately 8,000 calls for service," Chief Camper said, adding that the department is "currently slightly below full staffing" after three recent retirements and with additional officers eligible to retire this year. He said no one has formally announced they will retire yet but that vacancies could occur "at any time."
Camper described enforcement trends the department has seen: arrests decreased while citations increased, a shift he attributed in part to targeted traffic enforcement. He said the department plans to concentrate enforcement in specific corridors such as Broadway and adjacent side streets.
The chief outlined training obligations, saying state rules require 24 hours of continuing professional training and that the department completed its mandated hours. He said firearms training has increased from once or twice a year to two or three sessions annually and that the department is exploring additional advanced investigations and jail-administration training.
On equipment and programs, Camper said the department is close to state certification for its K-line program and that some officers have expressed interest in launching a drone program to aid in searches and incidents when other options, such as tracking dogs, are not available. He and council members discussed possible fundraising or creative financing to purchase drones.
Council members asked about recruitment and sign-on incentives; Camper said recent candidate yields have varied and that some agencies are offering substantial sign-on bonuses. He also said the department will hold a civil service meeting to set an entry exam and expects local academy schedules to align with hiring needs.
The council did not take action on these items but requested that staff and the chief continue to update the body on staffing, training and equipment plans.
