Resident raises alarm over officer hours and staffing; chief says 12‑hour shifts and contract talks underway

Jamelle Cotman addressed the City Council during public comment on Feb. 25, urging the city to address police staffing and pay. Cotman said a study by his daughter identified officers working extended shifts and asserted the department has about 50 officers compared with an authorized complement of 102, and that the department is losing officers each month.

Cotman told council that long hours create safety risks for officers and the public and asked the mayor, council and the receiver to examine pay and recruitment strategies. “We have 50 police,” he said during his remarks.

The police chief responded that he did not have data to confirm the study’s claim that some officers had worked 36‑hour stretches. He said officers work 12‑hour shifts and may be called back for ongoing incidents, which can extend duty time. The chief also confirmed that the city is in active contract negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police.

Councilors thanked Cotman for raising the issue and said they share concerns about staffing and compensation; the council cited ongoing negotiations and directed staff and the receiver to continue discussions with the FOP.