Staffing

Chief says officer shortage has police working overtime “just to handle the bare minimum”

In 2021, the city saw 562 homicides – the highest number Philadelphia has ever seen, with more than half of its cases going unsolved

The clerks were hired as part of the department’s unarmed pilot program, which allows trained, unarmed representatives to respond to non-emergent calls

The measure will leave the community with up to five fewer LASD deputies on patrol at a time when crime has increased 137%

Lack of consensus and clear understanding of the problem can lead to misplaced priorities and ineffective recruitment and retention solutions going forward

The use of community service officers has gained traction as transit agencies struggle with increased crime

Police hope subsidizing rent will help attract and retain recruits who might otherwise go elsewhere

Officials say the new roles can be filled faster and will free up sworn detectives for more serious crimes

Kevin Bellmyer, 50, alleges in a lawsuit that he was discriminated against based on his age

Previously, prospective recruits were required to live in the city for one year before applying to the police department

Police say “civilian investigators” and “police assistants” will help alleviate an officer shortage

A chief in Washington State thinks so and is encouraging his cops to sleep on the job

Chief Paul Wegner believes it is a viable solution that he’s willing to try in order to save his staff