City Unveils New Recruitment Incentives

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., — ” We have 45 openings. we have a staffing level of 406 and you can do the math, that’s not an acceptable level.” Add to that 5 hundred daily calls for service in the city alone. Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook says it’s a critical shortage spurred by retirees, assessments and a clean sweep through out the department that was already down by 25 officers when Chief Holbrook accepted the job 8 months ago. ” We’ve lost some experienced officers that have been with us between 3 to 7 years.that leaves an immediate whole and they’re hard to replace.” And once they’re replaced city manager teresa wilson says retaining them is even harder. ” our officers are feeling good about working here and want to stay. but sometimes when it comes down to it they have to look at neighboring agencies where the salary is significantly more and it’s become apparent we have to address that and quickly. While morale under a new police chief is high – both the chief and city manager agree compensation is more than lacking. Charleston is offering a starting salary of nearly 40 thousand dollars a year, while the capitol city sits at the bottom of the list offering a little more than 30 thousand dollars for an entry level position. ” we want to make sure our officers can fiscally take care of their families and not make a decision based on just dollars and cents.” To fix that – wilson has approved a 7 percent raise for officers across the board. while chief holbrook has come up with an incentive plan making CPD a more attractive employer. “signing bonuses for new experienced officers, residency bonuses every year if you live in the city, and take home cars.” Holbrook also wants to focus on professional development – so each degree you earn will also mean a bigger paycheck. wilson says no doubt it’s a budgetary impact – but since the chief is under budget or this fiscal year – it’s also very doable. ” i think people internally and externally will say they like what they’ve heard but want to see action.”