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Police chief urges PIO hire, scholarship and recruitment efforts as crime rates fall
Summary
Henderson’s police chief told the council that crime is down to a record low UCR since 1985 and urged hiring a public information officer and launching a scholarship-style recruitment program; the fire chief said ISO is 2 and staffing protocol changes will affect the budget.
Chief Marcus Barrow briefed the council at the Feb. 21–22 retreat on public safety results and staffing needs, saying reported crime statistics are down and urging council support for communication and recruitment investments.
Barrow reported a record low Uniform Crime Report figure since 1985 and described increased court activity tied to changes at the County District Attorney’s office. He told the council his department relies heavily on social media and recommended hiring a public information officer to improve outreach. Barrow also proposed a city-sponsored scholarship program—designed in coordination with Recreation and Parks, the District Attorney and juvenile services—to help recruit qualified officers.
Fire Chief Steve Cordell said the fire department’s Insurance Services Office rating is now 2, a notable achievement, but that staffing protocols will need adjustment to meet recommended staffing guidelines; those changes were flagged as a budget consideration.
Council did not take a formal vote on staffing hires or program funding at the retreat; Barrow and Cordell were asked to provide more detailed cost estimates for the budget process.
