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Police Chief Flags Overtime, Staffing Shortages After Budget Cuts
Summary
Fort Smith's police chief told the board the department lost an officer position amid budget cuts, is seeing increased overtime and has exhausted its eligibility list; he said the department will begin a new hiring push targeting certified candidates.
The police chief told the board that recent budget cuts have reduced the department's capacity and increased overtime pressures, saying bluntly, "Lost a police officer position." He reported the department is "fully staffed" in practical terms but noted one vacancy out of roughly 160 positions and said the eligibility list is exhausted.
The chief said overtime is the largest red flag and that four separations have occurred since the cuts, with one exit interview specifically citing the cuts as a factor. "Usage of overtime is probably the biggest red flag," he said, and offered to provide a written report to the board when asked. He also said the department will pursue a new hiring process and "target, certified people."
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