In a perfect world, the Charleston Police Department would have 173 officers, but the force has been operating with about 20 fewer for several years, leading to frequent overtime. The department even advertises built-in overtime as part of its recruitment efforts.
City Council member Shannon Snodgrass says the bigger concern is that hiring isn’t keeping pace with officers leaving the department, warning that maintaining public safety is critical for the city.
Meanwhile, Mayor Amy Goodwin’s latest budget proposal totals just over $113 million, an increase of about $100,000 from last year for city police. The city council will consider the budget tonight.