{KXLG – Watertown, SD} After a presentation from Watertown Police Chief Tim Toomey, the City Council approved an additional Police Office that will be called a “Plus One.”
Chief Toomey gives the Council some background on the request….
Chief Toomey talks about why the department is short-staffed….
Chief Toomey presents the basis for the request….
Chief Toomey explains why they are short staff….
A new schedule program has been started to help employees…
Chief Toomey has a minimum rule for scheduling staff…
The department focuses on community engagement, and the Council agreed they do a good job.
Watertown’s population is growing, and the department is seeing an increase in violent crimes.
It is already in the budget for 2024, and Chief Toomey is hopeful it will be in perpetuity.
Watertown Mayor Ried Holien commented…
Chief Toomey says to stay tuned for the new WPD Lake Division the department is working on to help with issues at Lake Kampeska.
The Council agreed that public safety and supporting law enforcement are considered priorities. With a unanimous roll call vote, the Council approved the request of the Plus One Patrol Officer.