In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing staffing challenges and the recruitment process for key positions within the department. The lead investigator position remains a priority, with second-round interviews scheduled for this week. However, if a suitable candidate is not found, the department plans to collaborate with civil service and human resources to redefine the role and salary to attract a stronger candidate pool.

The meeting also highlighted the department's reliance on various reporting channels, including phone calls and emails, to log complaints, with a focus on consolidating data for better tracking and analysis. Currently, an Auditor 2 position is open, with hopes of hiring experienced candidates rather than starting at the entry level.

Concerns were raised about the capacity to handle large investigations, given the city's growth and the high demand for qualified staff. Officials acknowledged the difficulty in filling open positions, noting that the department currently has over 15 vacancies. The discussion underscored the need for additional resources and potential partnerships with external investigative firms to manage the increasing workload effectively.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the importance of proactive measures to address staffing shortages and prepare for future investigations, recognizing that the city's expanding budget and operations will inevitably increase the risk of fraud and other issues. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene for further discussions on these critical topics.