(14) What, if anything, should be done to improve recruitment and retention of
police officers?
Alston: The most immediate answer to the question is to examine and address the pay issues. However, from my conversations with police officers who have left HPD (including some who ultimately returned), there are some other issues as well. The other factors mentioned include perceived pay inequities within the department, racism, the school system, employment opportunities for spouses, career advancement, and leisure pursuits (or the local lack thereof). Some of these factors are matters which we can and should address, in addition to simply increasing the pay. Some of these factors are possibly matters of perception.
Gupton: Recruitment of police officers: Increase the beginning pay of new officers to a level equal to or slightly above that of neighboring cities. Retention of police officers: I think the current officers respect Chief Allen and he would be in a much better position than I to recommend to the city council the steps necessary to retain the officers. I feel the council would be more than willing to work with the Chief in this endeavor.
Harper: The city of Henderson should recruit and retain the most qualified employees it can. If other cities in our area are paying more to hire and retain police officers, fireman, sanitation employees or billing supervisors, the city must pay comparably to attract good people. At times, some categories are more competitive than others even though this may not seem fair. Just as it does not seem fair that rock stars get paid more than our children’s teachers and pro basketball players are paid more than professional bowlers. Unfortunately, we must adjust to this free-market economy.
Daeke: We have to increase police officer’s pay. We need to honor them for the work that they do to protect this community. There may need to be a plan for advancement through the ranks through their training accomplishments. I’d also like to explore the idea of a revolving, low-interest home loan fund to make sure our new officers can buy a home at a guaranteed low interest rate, thus helping them stay in Henderson. But these ideas should come from the chief for the council to act upon (I do not plan to attempt to manage any city department). I fully support our present chief of police and believe he is working hard to protect and serve while balancing the needs of his force.
Yount: First, we need to improve the entry pay level of beginning officers. Next, we need to provide bonuses for tenured service and retention. Third, we need to investigate and work to provide incentives for home ownership among the officers. Finally, I propose we explore a new way to patrol our city that will allow our officers a sense ownership for their work in the city. I suggest we divide the city into zones. Each zone will have the same sanitation workers, code enforcement officer, meter readers, and police officers. These employees will take ownership of their neighborhood zone. This employee group will work cooperatively to address all the problems in their zone. If there is a child out of school, the school resource officer can be notified. If an abandoned house is causing a problem, the team will work together for intervention. If a house has many police calls the team will know and contact the landlords or report trouble as they see it starting. The livability and safety of Henderson should improve, and our neighborhoods will become stable and inviting again. My proposal should increase the job satisfaction of our police force and thus improve both recruitment and retention.
Wester: The first issue should be to see if the existing pay and class schedule properly reflects ALL City positions. Pay should be based on level of skill, and the city of Henderson PAY and Class Schedule should reflect market conditions. This is the most significant issue affecting recruitment and retention. The new police station has given our professional officers a place to work that shows that this community values what they do. Financial incentives reward officers for continuing education. Chief Allen and his staff earn my respect daily in making recommendations that improve his operation, and I count on him to bring forward suggestions on what is needed as well as responses to challenges the City Council makes of the department.