An Opportunity to Change
As stated in the Aug. 14 issue of the Harbor News ("OSPD Seeks to Solve Staffing Problem"), the Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) is stating that a staff shortage is a crisis. There are currently three vacancies. Yes, of course, three officers were fired. Two officers are planning on leaving for work elsewhere. Were exit interviews ever performed on staff that left in recent years? Is there anything about working conditions at OSPD that could be changed? Sometimes people just want to live elsewhere or have different opportunities. Do we know why they are leaving?
When there is a crisis, there is an opportunity to change how things are done. Do we need to retain the position of resource officers at our schools? Do we need to run a marine boat in the Connecticut River? My first thoughts are not to offer hiring bonuses and increase salaries. Although those were suggested as possible solutions in the recent article.
Edson Bourn
Old Saybrook