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Romeo approves new police records system amid calls to raise officer pay
Summary
The Village of Romeo approved purchase of the CEMUS records-management system to modernize police operations; trustees and staff stressed the equipment is necessary but several urged parallel steps to address low officer wages and staffing.
The Village of Romeo Board of Trustees voted Jan. 27 to purchase the CEMUS management system for the police department, a package that officials said will digitize records, replace dated hardware and allow the department to support mobile cameras and evidence systems.
"It is the gold standard," the Police Chief said, arguing the system will move the department "into the 21st century." The board approved the purchase after trustees discussed the initial license cost and recurring fees; President Panski said the first-year cost is included and recurring charges will be budgeted.
Several trustees and staff urged that equipment purchases be considered alongside employee compensation. President Panski and Trustee Bartholomew said modernizing equipment is necessary for officer safety and efficiency, but Clerk Lucero and others warned the village's starting and top wages for police and dispatch are below regional benchmarks and asked that compensation be addressed in upcoming contract talks.
Trustee discussion cited research showing the village's starting officer pay is roughly $44,000 with top pay around $64,000 and noted the village trails peer agencies by $15,000–$25,000 on average; council members said they will include compensation in forthcoming budget and negotiation work.
The motion to purchase the CEMUS system passed unanimously. Council members said the system is essential to police operations, and that compensation and long-term staffing must be prioritized as funding allows.
