During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on staffing challenges within local police departments, particularly in Hammond, Fort Wayne, and Petersburg. The meeting revealed that Fort Wayne successfully hired ten new officers, while Hammond and Petersburg received significantly fewer—three and one, respectively. Concerns were raised about the disparity in funding and hiring success, with officials expressing frustration over grant applications that have been denied, including one submitted by the Honeywell Police Department.

The conversation highlighted the urgent need for additional deputies to address staffing shortages. Currently, the department is down a sergeant and a detective, with plans to create new shifts to better manage workloads. The proposed schedule would introduce two deputies for a noon to midnight shift, aimed at alleviating pressure during peak hours and reducing overtime for existing staff.

Training for new recruits was also a key topic. Two officers currently in the academy are expected to fill these new positions after completing their training and field training officer (FTO) program, which lasts approximately 12 to 16 weeks. The timeline for their full integration into the force is projected for late next year.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the need for a new general detective to handle a variety of cases, including sex crimes and property crimes, as the current detective team is stretched thin. The department's structure includes specialized officers focused on narcotics, but the overall staffing levels remain a concern.

As local law enforcement agencies continue to navigate these challenges, officials emphasized the importance of collaboration and ongoing efforts to secure funding and resources to enhance public safety.