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Montgomery County Police Department tackling officer shortage amidst growth


Montgomery County Police Department is facing a growing officer shortage, with Chief Marc Yamada confirming that the department is currently short about 170 officers. This shortage is expected to worsen with anticipated retirements in the coming months, leaving the department with staffing levels well below the national average. Despite these challenges, Chief Yamada commended the professionalism and outstanding services provided by the officers, as evidenced by decreasing response times and high closure rates on violent crimes.

To address the shortage, the agency is considering various options, including reevaluating the number of officers in specialized units and possibly reallocating them back to patrol duties. In light of the staffing issues, response times have been impacted the most, prompting concerns from the community about crime occurring during overnight hours.

Oscar Masuku, owner of Afrikutz barber shop, emphasized the need for increased police presence during the nighttime to address rising crime in the area. With neighboring districts also competing for the same pool of applicants, Chief Yamada highlighted the importance of being innovative and creative in recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates.

In a report presented to a county council committee, it was noted that response times for priority and routine calls have slightly decreased from the previous year but remain elevated over pre-pandemic averages. Despite these challenges, the Montgomery County Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community while navigating the impacts of the officer shortage.

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Photo credit www.fox5dc.com

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