RFP Staff
♦ With recent talk about officers in the Salisbury Police department “maybe” getting a much needed pay raise, its important to discuss why Salisbury Police officers avoid staying with the Salisbury Police.
1) The agency is managed by the Human Resources (H.R.) with no law enforcement experience and outside the day-to-day functioning of the department. H.R. has created a toxic environment. Former Chief Collins, in his sworn deposition, testified a mere written reprimand was beyond his authority and required H.R.’s approval. This is unheard of in normal functioning police departments.
2) The agency is grossly understaffed (It’s alleged by current and retired officers that approximately 20 slots are empty) and leaves officers without backup or support. Collins himself admitted a 75% turnover under his watch. This trend appears to be ongoing.
3) The high rate of attrition is aimed primarily at senior personnel. The loss of experienced officers means field training is practically meaningless. How much can a rookie officer teach another rookie? The budget cuts virtually eliminated outside training beyond that required for certification.
4) The former chief, an admitted twice daily oxycotin user, established a management team in his style. Is anyone pleased with the current state of the PD? It’s very unlikely to change when a management team, trained in the exact methods that failed, remains in place.
5) Current pay is in no way competitive. Why work for less money when you can make more at a department appreciating your work? Now they’re offering a CHUMP CHANGE $1,600 raise. Learn all about this slap in the face of SPD officers:
6) The reputation of the Salisbury Police Department has been severely damaged over the last few years. The evidence room, Chief Rory Collins deposition admissions, soaring crime rate, and so forth don’t look well on a resume. Experience at a failed department will no carry the weight of experience at a successful department. Why work for less while getting less credit from it?
7) The former chief has alienated large parts of the Salisbury community the department serves. Why work for an agency that has turned large segments of the population against you before you ever begin? Work elsewhere for greater benefits and less hostility from the agency and the community.
H.R. Memos:
