Politics & Government

Gwinnett Police Chief Raises Alarm on Turnover

Both the police and fire department are holding positions unfilled.

Gwinnett County Police Chief Charles Walters isn't asking for any new officers in the coming fiscal year, but he told county officials Wednesday that he would be "remiss" if he didn't note recent turnover in the department.

Speaking to county government leaders Wednesday in Lawrenceville, Walters said 13 officers had quit since July "for financial reasons."

The chief produced plenty of data showing how increased officer visibility has caused crime reductions in the county. But he noted that if the turnover trend continues, "the tide will turn shortly."

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Gwinnett Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash, among those participalting in the second day of review sessions for the 2012 budget, said officer turnover is "on the list of things we have to be watching."

Walters noted that the officers leaving generally had been with the department less than five years. It takes about 20 weeks to train an officer, so if one leaves, "that's $55,000 (in salary and benefits) out the door.

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"They're not leaving to go to other agencies in the county. They've got to feed their families."

The Gwinnett PD is the county government's largest department; it serves 708,000 of the county's 805,000 residents. Walters wants an annual budget of $90.5 million, up 14 percent from this year. Some of the new funds would come from sources other than Gwinnett taxpayers.

Walters, however, is holding 25 vacancies open in the coming year, which he says will save $1.3 million.

He noted that robbery (24 percent), rape (26.7 percent) and vehicle thefts (25 percent) all are down for 2010.

Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services Chief Bill Myers also will be holding 25 positions open in the coming year to save money.

Myers stressed his department's efficiency and noted that 98 percent of Gwinnett County is within five miles of a fire station. The annual cost per citizen is $80.30, the lowest in the metro area.

The chief wants an annual budget of $76 million, about $1 million less than the current year.

The budget review sessions will resume Monday at county headquarters.


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