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Evaluation reveals department could need more manpower, new radio system

Some changes could be on the horizon for the Gladstone Police Department.

After the conclusion of an analysis of the department’s 2009 operations that was presented to the City Council by Public Safety Director Mike Hasty at the Monday, Jan. 25, meeting, city staff and the council indicated they will evaluate changes to some of the police department’s operations in the near future.

Hasty pointed out that the department has begun to face challenges in service delivery, the major factor being an increase in calls for police service, which increased from 20,184 in 2004 to 26,317 in 2009.

An increased focus on traffic enforcement and economic factors were cited as additional reasons for an increase in calls for police service.

Hasty also noted that the department began recording blackouts, or times when a call required an officer but one was not available, in October.

From October to the end of the year, 164 blackouts were recorded, which averages to one and a half to two times per day, Hasty said.

"We will always pull officers off for emergencies that are responding to nonemergency," Hasty said.

The Gladstone police force consists of 42 police officers, or 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents. According to the report, the Bureau of Justice Statistics within the U.S. Department of Justice indicated that police departments serving populations similar to Gladstone have an average of 1.8 to 2 officers per 1,000 residents.

"I would refer to it as a guide, because it is unique to the needs of individual communities and cities." Hasty said about the averages. "Each individual community needs to look at the needs that they have to decide what’s fit for them."

Councilman Les Smith said when reading over the report, he highlighted seven instances where police manpower was an issue, and he was astonished by the number of blackouts.

"It seems obvious to me, though, you’re about taxed to your limits, and I think your report, if nothing else, shows we have some real needs," Smith said in response to Hasty. "If you come back to us and say you need some additional resources in one form or another to keep the department great like it is, I think we have an obligation to look very strongly at that."

Hasty said the department is implementing an online crime reporting system, has begun to review a volunteer police service program and is considering supplementing the department with civilian staff. All of these factors would take work away from officers and help keep them on the streets.

In addition to manpower, the department’s 20-year-old radio system is outdated and an upgrade is needed.

"There’s some good trends and some bad trends, and I think it’s incumbent on us to recognize the successes but also attempt to address the trends that we’re more uncomfortable with," City Manager Kirk Davis said.

City staff will continue to look at the aspects of the department that could need updates and will return to the council in the near future with a recommendation on what resources will be needed to address the issues, Davis said.

Staff writer Meagan O’Donnell can be reached at 389-6606 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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