US small town police departments in danger.
Police Force in Small Minnesota Town Quits Due to Low Pay
In the small town of Goodhue, Minnesota, with a population of 1,252, the entire police force has given notice that they are quitting as of Aug. 24. The reason? They have all found jobs in surrounding police departments that offer higher pay. This includes Goodhue Police Chief Josh Smith, one full-time officer, and five part-time officers.
According to a Goodhue Town Hall employee, the pay offered by Goodhue is too low to attract new employees. The city is currently reevaluating the rate, but it is currently budget season in Minnesota, and they are working with the county to determine what they can offer future officers.
Despite the resignations, Goodhue is actively seeking a new chief and two full-time officers. In the meantime, law enforcement is being handled by the county sheriff’s department, so the town is not without police coverage.
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According to Goodhue officials, there are currently 202 openings for police officers across Minnesota. This shortage of officers is not unique to Goodhue and is a challenge faced by many small, local police and sheriff departments.
Law enforcement agencies in small towns often struggle financially, as they have limited funding compared to larger organizations. This makes it difficult to compete in terms of pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
The Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association (SRLEEA) is working to address these challenges. They have gained 7,000 members since organizing in 2019 and have brought small and rural agencies to the attention of the federal government.
High Turnover and Recruitment Challenges
Many police officers start their careers in small or rural agencies but eventually move on to higher-paying positions once they gain experience. This constant turnover poses a challenge for small departments.
Despite the challenges, progress is being made. Legislative bodies are starting to recognize the staffing shortages and are receiving complaints from constituents. Efforts are also being made to break down barriers in accessing grants and funding for small departments.
It is crucial to support small and rural law enforcement agencies, as they make up the majority of law enforcement across the country. Without them, the larger agencies would not be able to meet the demands of public safety.
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