Staffing numbers for Durham police have been stuck around 75% for months.
It’s a concerning trend with far-reaching impacts on how fast police can get to you in an emergency. The city’s proposed budget could bring some relief.
The Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews is hopeful the adjustments lead to a more efficient force.
Durham police have not hit their target response time for priority 1 calls in more than two years.
Right now, they’re only 75% staffed.
On Thursday, council member Nate Baker asked deputy chief Melissa Bishop about fixing the issue.
“Higher pay to increase our staffing,” she responded.
Andrews agrees with that solution.
“The Durham police officers that are currently working, that are still here, they are probably the most committed team that I have ever seen,” Andrews said.
A recent compensation study found city employees made below market rate. Proposed adjustments for police officers range from 14% to nearly 23%.
Chief Andrews said she’s hopeful raises in the proposed budget could offer relief for police and help Durham compete.
“We have had and heard from people, candidates who said ‘listen, I want to come work for Durham,'” Andrews said. “I really want to come work for Durham, but your salary isn’t like other agencies.”
Other Durham employees, including firefighters, could be getting raises in next year’s budget.
Durham City Council has budget work sessions next Wednesday and Thursday.
