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Cridersville officials say 24/7 police coverage is unsustainable; council and residents discuss options
Summary
Police Chief Nathan Fried told council the department is operating 24/7 by executive order but said that staffing levels are not sustainable; residents and councilmembers discussed fundraising, grants and the goal of two officers per shift as the department seeks more applicants.
Police Chief Nathan Fried reported 167 calls for the month, 24 tickets, 15 warnings, two arrests and $2,820 in Mayor’s Court receipts. He said the department sheltered seven people during a recent storm and is working on an Emergency Action Plan for officers. Fried told the council his stop-sticks were outdated and that Back the Blue is donating replacements. He also said Flock cameras recently helped recover a stolen car.
Fried has posted a hiring ad and said he has received one application; council and residents discussed staffing levels, pay and coverage. Fried said the department is running 24/7 “through executive order” but that model "is not sustainable." He said his operational goal is two officers per shift for safety and that scheduling details are kept confidential to protect officers.
Residents and council members suggested options including a fundraiser similar to the fire department’s jamboree and seeking grants; resident Angela Knotts proposed fundraising specifically for the police. Bev Wood cautioned that full-time coverage had been a long-term goal rather than an immediate change. Council scheduled a safety meeting (May 5, 12:15 p.m., Village Hall) to follow up.
On the nursing-home concern raised during public comment, Angela Knotts alleged that three inmates were housed at the Cridersville Nursing Home and said one was identified as a sexual predator; Chief Fried said he knew of one inmate and believed that person could not walk. The council did not take formal action on the nursing-home allegation at this meeting.
Why it matters: Council members and residents signaled concern about officer workload and retention; Fried’s comments that current 24/7 coverage is unsustainable highlight a continuing local staffing challenge and a need to consider funding and recruitment options.
Next steps: the council scheduled a safety committee meeting to explore staffing solutions and potential funding paths.
