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Recommendation to, by motion of the City Council, request City Manager to direct the Chief of Police to report on the impact of the current budget (FY 2013) on response times of the department and to identify what additional funding is needed so that residents are assured that the police have appropriate resources.
DISCUSSION
Over the past several months there has been a serious increase in the number of residential and auto burglaries on the east side of the City. (All council districts have seen an increase in crime as well.) Residents have reported these crimes and have reported to Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske that they contacted the Police concerning the crimes and have received responses ranging from “the City Council laid off police so we are short” to “the Police Department doesn’t have enough resources.” Councilwoman Schipske has shared these responses with the Chief of Police and the City Manager.
Just recently, the City Council transferred monies which were designated for shot identification technology for use by the Police Department for overtime. When Councilwoman Schipske asked the Chief what additional monies were needed to meet overtime needs of the Department, she was told in Council by the Chief that the Department needs $1.5 million.
FY 2013 Budget proposals for the Police Department were submitted to the Council by the City Manager and the Mayor. At no time was the Council told by either party that current budget levels would be insufficient to maintain an adequate police presence in the City or at a level that officers in the field would need to inform residents that they lack sufficient resources.
The City Council needs to hear directly from the Chief of Police in open session how the current budget has impacted response times of the department and what additional funding is needed to ensure that the residents of the city feel that the police have the necessary resources.
FISCAL IMPACT
Unknown until the Chief of Police publicly...
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