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Willard police present phased staffing plan as calls rise
Summary
Officer Jordan Harper told the council the police department lacks coverage and proposed phased hiring to reach an FBI‑recommended officer‑to‑population ratio; funding options discussed included property‑tax adjustments and phased hiring over several years.
Officer Jordan Harper told the Willard City Council on Aug. 22 that the police department is stretched thin and proposed a phased staffing increase to meet rising calls for service and improve public safety.
Harper described the department’s current staffing structure — one chief, an administrative assistant and several patrol officers — and said that limited coverage has hindered proactive policing and increased safety risks. He asked the council to consider phased hiring over multiple years aimed at reaching the FBI‑recommended officer‑to‑population ratio and noted possible funding paths, including property‑tax adjustments. The presentation packet was included with the meeting materials.
Council members asked questions about overtime, training capacity and how new hires would be phased. Harper also proposed that staff set up informational alerts to notify council members about major incidents at Willard Bay and elsewhere as the council weighs funding options. No formal vote was taken; the item remains under discussion and will return to council as staff develops cost estimates and a timeline.
