[Vision2020] Moscow's lack of cops all about the Benjamins

[Moscow Cares]

Before the Moscow City Council votes themselves another pay raise, how about looking after our city’s peace-keepers?

Courtesy of today’s (May 2, 2019) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Our View: Moscow's lack of cops all about the Benjamins

The Moscow Police Department is down six officers.

Moscow Police Chief James Fry called it the largest officer shortage he has seen in his 24-year career with the department.

While one of those vacant positions will be filled by a recruit currently working his or her way through the hiring and training hoops, the officer shortage is a problem that is not going away overnight and without some major investments.


The problem is not that Moscow is an undesirable community to work and live in or that the department has a negative culture. Neither appears to be the case.

Instead, Fry attributes the shortage to retirements, resignations and a lack of applicants - and poor pay is a major factor in two of those three reasons.

Fry said it's getting to the point he - the chief of police - may have to begin responding to calls if the staff dwindles any further.

That's no lie.

The staff at the Daily News couldn't have been the only ones to see Fry working traffic the night of last month's flood.

Workers typically get paid less in Idaho, but that discrepancy is amplified by the fact that Moscow is located directly on the border with Washington and only 7 miles away is Washington State University and Pullman, where officers make much more for the same job.

That short journey could mean an extra $1,418 per month for an officer. The Pullman Police Department pays its starting officers $5,526 a month, while Moscow offers about $4,108.

That puts Pullman officer's annual salary at $66,312. It is just $49,296 for Moscow officers - and that may seem like a decent wage, but considering the crazy hours and dangers and stress these officers face daily, it is not nearly adequate.

Both the PPD and MPD are seeking new officers, but while Pullman received 20 applications for four positions in December, Moscow, unshockingly, isn't seeing as many.

A smaller applicant pool only means fewer options and not as many qualified candidates. Slim pickings is not something that should dictate a city's safety.

The board has not taken a position on the bond for a new police station, but such a space - along with higher salaries - could be the recruiting tool the department has been waiting for.

But, maybe some prefer the 9,600-square-foot building that was used as a creamery up until 1968.

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Trump”
http://www.tomandrodna.com/MoscowCares/Songs/Donald_Trump/Youre_a_Mean_One_Mr_Trump.mp3

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