The Associated Press
ELKINS, W.Va. (AP) -- Some officers are working double shifts or on their days off, and a Tucker County sheriff’s deputy has been hired part time to plug holes in a police staff depleted by retirement, resignation and military duty.
The lack of manpower has hampered an investigation into two home invasions that occurred last week, Capt. Jack Batdorf said Monday.
“I hope it will work out in the long run, but it’s slow going with this shortage (of officers),” Batdorf said. “People are going to have to bear with us.”
The recent retirement of Lt. Jack Roy, the deployment of Sgt. Steve Richards to active duty in Afghanistan and the resignation of former Chief Mike Taylor in August have reduced the police force to five experienced officers.
Two new officers have been hired but they are still in training and must ride with another officer for 90 to 120 days _ until March or April, Batdorf said.
“The mayor and council understand and have been real good to us,” Batdorf said.
To help fill the gap, the city hired Tucker County Sheriff’s Deputy D.E. Gidley as a part-time patrolman. Gidley works two to three shifts in a two-week period, on his days off from the sheriff’s department.
“I don’t know what we’d do without him,” Batdorf said.
Under civil service, Gidley can only work for the city a maximum 90 days. One of the new officers is expected to be certified by that deadline, Batdorf said.
Richards is expected to return May 29.