The City of Jefferson has an ongoing struggle trying to hold onto police officers, who can get a 20% pay increase simply by moving to the Greene County Sheriff's Department. | Stock photo
The City of Jefferson has an ongoing struggle trying to hold onto police officers, who can get a 20% pay increase simply by moving to the Greene County Sheriff's Department. | Stock photo
With a population of 4,000 and a police force of eight officers – including Police Chief Mark Clouse – the City of Jefferson continues to experience an officer shortage related to pay rate with three of the current officers moving to the Greene County Sheriff's Department to become deputies.
Clouse told KCCI 8 that the county pays deputies about 20% more than the city pays officers. He also blames the current national climate for making it more difficult to recruit officers to replace those who move to higher-paying jobs.
"There is a lot of national distaste for law enforcement now, and frankly people just don't want to do the job," Clouse told KCCI 8.
In the short term, the city plans to work with the county for law enforcement support, Mayor Matt Gordon told KCCI 8. He also said he agrees the city needs to pay officers more.
Clouse said that, ultimately, the city needs to determine a way to have a fully staffed department, according to KCCI 8.
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