Royal Oak Chief of Police Offers Recommendation to City Commission

According to Chief of Police Christopher Jahnke, the department has been struggling with ways to downsize over the last couple of years. His concern lies with the possibility that the downsizing may prevent the department from doing its job. In order to avoid getting to that point, Chief Jahnke issued to the City Commission his recommendation for staffing levels and structure of the department.

First, a recommendation of increasing the road patrol by six officers would allow calls to be responded to in a timely manner. Also recommended was bringing back the Traffic Safety Division which would allow officers to be dedicated to responding to accident prevention and investigation. One specific cut recommended was to relegate the position of front desk officer to a part-time, non-sworn position. Apparently, this move would save $389,302 and the very first year.

City manager Don Johnson is taking the recommendation into consideration when preparing the budget, but is not optimistic there will be enough funds to make it happen.

Sources:

http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/portal/sites/default/files/meetings/City%20Commission/2010/1004-275-10.pdf