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Though vacancies remain on the police force, Police Chief Richard Bowers is putting together strategies for hiring new police officers. And though violent crime is down, opportunistic theft of items out of unlocked cars is up. These and other issues were discussed when council met, on Monday, December 3, in a worksession with Bowers to discuss police operations and current issues facing the city and the department. Bowers reported on staffing concerns, crime and drugs in the area.
Staffing
Bowers reported that staffing remains a concern despite the hiring of several officers. There are still 10 vacancies plus two officers on light duty. In addition, there are 10 officers who are currently eligible to retire and others who are considering leaving. The city’s main competitors for officers are county governments, particularly Anne Arundel and Howard Counties. Anne Arundel, he reported, is offering a $20,000 bonus to experienced officers joining their force. Bowers said that among municipal police forces, Greenbelt has a very competitive package of benefits so it rarely loses an officer to another town or city.
The high level of vacancies also makes it more difficult to retain officers who want assignments to specialized units but cannot be spared from their current positions. This creates frustration among the officers who are denied reassignment, leading them to seek opportunity with a larger police force.
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