More officers are leaving the Plymouth Police Department and Plymouth Police Chief David Bacon asked the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members Monday night for their help in reviewing benefits and pay for police officers.
He noted that potential employees ask about pay, benefits and take-home vehicles when they apply.
“When I applied back in 1991 or 1990, I didn’t know how much I was going to make. I had no idea. I just wanted to be a police officer. Those days are done,” stated Chief Bacon.
He said another officer has decided to go to the South Bend Police Department and another is retiring from the Police Department, but is transferring to another department within the city.
Chief Bacon continued, “I’ll be announcing another retirement at the next meeting which I’ll address then, but that’s five openings that we have right now – that has our 25th officer that we’re adding for the 2023 budget. We don’t have enough qualified applicants as of right now to fill those spots.”
Chief Bacon added that he is planning to retire soon and there are others who are eligible to retire so there is a need to hire quality candidates to fill the positions in the department.
To remain competitive, Chief Bacon said changes need to be made.
Board Member Jeff Houin asked if it would be best to put together a small committee of the Human Resources Director, City Attorney Sean Surrisi, a Board of Public Works and Safety member, and a City Council member to see what more can be done.
Plymouth City Councilman Don Ecker, Jr. commented from the audience that safety is the city’s number one priority and this situation needs to be addressed.
Ecker said he would be on the committee. Plymouth Board Members Bill Walters and Duane Culp also agreed to be on the committee.
Those members will meet with Chief Bacon and other key stakeholders in the near future to get something put into place so a more aggressive recruitment initiative can commence.
