A shortage of police officers is a national issue and according to a report filed at the County Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting Monday, Montgomery County is not immune. Given the police department’s acknowledged rise in crime, the report raises cause for concern.
Lee Holland, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35, said in a written response to the report, “We are running out of time to right this sinking ship.”
Susan Farag, legislative analyst for the County Council, shared several sets of concerning statistics during the council session:
- Since 2019, police staffing shrank by 194 positions over the last five years
- 9-1-1 Communications staff has 64 positions open; a 43% vacancy rate
- Overtime has risen 54% since 2019
- Response time is up 17% in that same time period
According to Farag’s study, current recruitment averages 23 recruits a year. Right now that number is too low to make up for recent attrition. The attrition rates have slowed this year. But the department anticipates many officers and employees may be waiting for a significant increase in pension payouts scheduled to begin January 1, 2025.
Chief Jones testified the department continues to look for new ways to bolster recruitment including staggered Police Academy training throughout the year.
While police shortages may be a national dilemma, Councilmember Katz observed, “…we have to try to figure it out locally.”
