While a police officer shortage is plaguing departments across the state, an Ohio bill is headed to the House floor that aims to solve the problem. The legislation could fix understaffing, but at what cost?
There are fewer boots on the ground, longer working hours, and delays for residents who need emergency services.
“It takes hours for an officer to show up because it’s so understaffed,” Mike Weinman, a retired Columbus police officer, said.
News 5 Investigators first told you how the city’s police officers were leaving the force at an alarming rate more than two years ago in our exclusive investigative series “Dangerously Understaffed.”
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This problem could be exacerbated by the pension fund troubles. Right now, The Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund (OP&F) needs to get more money, or it will need to cut benefits.
Weinman, who is the spokesperson for the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, said a bill passed out of the Pensions Committee would help fix both issues.