What kind of future is there for an officer at this department? Yes, it's great to have a job in this turbulent economy. However, even if the agency some how stays afloat, what will be left after the dust settles? The specialty units are almost completely gone. We are an island/beach community and our boat comes out once a week (if we're lucky) and the ATV only comes out with schedules being rearranged. Do you really want to be "humping calls" for the next 20 years? There is nothing to look forward to anymore. Two Detective positions and two motorcycles. If we have more cuts, we will probably lose a motor and a Detective.

We lost 13% of our sworn officers last budget year. Now, the city is possibly wanting another $500,000 from our budget. Has anyone in city hall and upstairs actually LOOKED at our staffing now?????? We don't have it to cut. How are we going to lose more officers? One person calls out sick now and it's mandatory OT. What are they going to do if they lose more positions? No one seems to care that it is becoming an officer safety issue, especially during Spring Break. One officer on the beach on a Saturday on the ATV for several thousand people???? Are they INSANE!?!?!? Where are our "fearless leaders"? They know we are short handed, yet they still sit up there typing emails all day and taking long lunches. Why don't they come out on the street and answer some calls?

As I stated above, even if our agency somehow survives this economy, what kind of future is there for us? Answer: None!