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EAST PALESTINE -- Police Chief James Brown III asked this week village council for an adjustment to the employee handbook in efforts to relieve staffing shortfalls at the police department.
"To say our resources are stretched thin, is an understatement," explained Brown.
Brown expressed challenges adjusting schedules for both full- and part-time officers that meet the necessary 24/7 coverage throughout the year. Brown explained that through the heroic efforts of his officers and dispatchers, the department has been covering shifts successfully. Brown said saving "dollars and cents" is not worth the greater cost falling on the shoulders of officers.
"It's my opinion that we've become too reliant over the years on part-time help … the cost of the mental and physical well-being of the officers that are forced to work those shifts," Brown explained when speaking about officers who work more than 40 hours a week, juggle multiple jobs and contend with family life while getting paid less than a competitive wage.
After being questioned by Councilman Alan Cohen, Brown advised that based on the national average, the size and amount of residents in the village, nine full-time officers should be employed with the current part-time staff. These staffing ratios would allow coverage for vacation days, sick leave and other circumstances.
"We have to start filling in the gaps," Brown said.
Brown informed council that enrollment at local academies is dwindling; so making the village more appealing to both current officers and new recruits should be a priority.
Brown made several suggestions to council such as developing a system that seeks talent from the local high school and sets students on a path in the law enforcement field. Paying students a minimum wage while they are enrolled in academy and partial reimbursement upon passing.
Brown pointed out that smaller agencies have become sort of training systems due to dependency on part-time employment and low-turnover.
"Whether out of desire or necessity the smaller departments, we've become community policing specialists. We've come to understand the importance of community relations, transparency and we take pride in delivering quality service to our residents," Brown pointed out.
Brown explained that in the past there would be nearly 30 people applying to one or two jobs, however the last time the village went through the hiring process, there were significantly less applicants.
"You get more turn out for a full-time job than you would for a part-time job," said Brown.
Ideally the village would have more full-time positions and more opportunities for advancement.
Traci Spratt, finance director, explained that there is a difference between the cost to pay part-time officers for full-time hours and the cost of providing benefits to full-time officers. When Cohen asked how many part-time officers would allow for a full-time position, Spratt said it would not be feasible to do such a thing at this time. Brown explained that the additional shifts the village has now are paid for by income taxes and the levy. The elimination of shifts in the past has created a struggle.
Brown clarified that solving the problem is a matter of multiple factors, the main problem for Brown is attracting eligible candidates. Brown explained that the department wants the absolute best for the community.
dgarner@mojonews.com