In response to national trends, the Village of Newark Police Department (NPD) is experiencing staffing difficulties, with one vacant position and several officers injured or leaving. The vacancies amount to an unavailable 42% of patrol staff. Mayor Taylor and Police Chief Martin issued a statement highlighting the gravity of the situation, noting that ongoing efforts to recruit a certified and trained officer to fill the vacancy have been unsuccessful so far.
In light of these challenges, the Village Board and Chief of Police have developed a two-pronged strategy to address the staffing crisis. Beginning July 10th, all shift start times will temporarily be adjusted to provide four hours of overlapping coverage each day, thereby reducing mandatory overtime. During periods of low service calls, Sheriff Milby and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office will assume coverage. The second part of the strategy involves hiring part-time officers, although the department remains committed to hiring full-time officers as well.
The strategies were announced at the end of June and received positive feedback from Police Union leadership during a meeting on July 7. Interested individuals are encouraged to take the Deputy Sheriff/Police Officer civil service exam, as the department continues its efforts to fill the staffing gaps and provide consistent service to the residents of Newark.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].