Area police face staffing challenges
Pictured left to right are Kade Kimball, Ross Smith and Jackson Black.All three are seniors at Teague ISD, and competed at TSTC Diesel Technology in Waco Thursday, Jan. 23, in the Area 8 Tractor Technician Contest. The students received third place and a
Area police face staffing challenges
Law enforcement agencies face challenges every day, from difficult emergency calls to enforcing the law on a regular basis. Police, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and other first-responders now face a personnel problem.
The Groesbeck Police Department staffs a total of 10 personnel to continue the trend of low crime in town. When the department is down three people, whether it be from illness or unfilled positions, the department suffers from being 30% understaffed, which is the current situation faced by the police and many more across Central Texas. Currently, Groesbeck is understaffed by three officers, with two vacancies and one light-duty officer.
“In smaller communities (like Groesbeck), one person is crucial,” Groesbeck Police Chief Chris Henson said. The problem is occurring on a national level.
“Even with some departments offering sign-on bonuses like $10,000, it’s still difficult to recruit new and qualified candidates,” Henson said.
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