City marshal seeks solution to police retention, recruitment

By Dave Marner, Managing Editor
Posted 7/22/20

Robert Rickerd, the city’s elected marshal, on Monday asked aldermen to “please address” a recent memo he sent them regarding retention and recruitment of police patrolmen as it …

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City marshal seeks solution to police retention, recruitment

Posted

Robert Rickerd, the city’s elected marshal, on Monday asked aldermen to “please address” a recent memo he sent them regarding retention and recruitment of police patrolmen as it related to pay.

He noted his officers have been assisting county deputies as far away as Bland and county deputies have been assisting Owensville police in town. Police in town and deputies were looking Tuesday night late for a suspect in a domestic violence incident at a residence near Memorial Park.

“I’m afraid one of my guys is going to get hurt,” said Rickerd noting their delayed response times and lack of backup at certain times of the week due to manpower shortages.

County sheriff’s staffing has also been a concern in recent weeks with short-handed patrols being restricted to emergency responses only last week due to coronavirus exposures among several courthouse bailiff personnel. Sheriff Mark A. Williams has also expressed deep concerns about staffing shortages on his patrol.

Rickerd said they’ve seen an increase in domestic violence cases and physical assaults on persons in recent months.

“I’m just letting you know, we are on the verge, of the safety in this community, being jeopardized,” Rickerd told aldermen. “I’m coming to you right now to let you know, for me as the elected official for public safety of the community, it’s at the breaking point. I’m just telling you, mayor, I’m worried.”

Kamler agreed and said he would schedule a workshop for aldermen to consider what can be done to improve conditions with police pay. Rickerd said Tuesday he and his lieutenant were scheduled to meet with aldermen in a workshop setting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30.

The city’s police force has already notified local school officials there would not be a school resource officer present in their buildings when schools resume due to current staffing issues. The school and city split the cost of that position in their respective budgets.

Rickerd had recently shared similar concerns through a letter published in The Republican. Ward 1 Aldermen Kevin McFadden mentioned seeing the letter and said it was well written and informative.

Rickerd informed aldermen the police department’s new Ford Explorer had been delivered and was in the process of having radio equipment installed.

The police department will transfer an existing squad unit to City Hall staff for use on city business.