   
   
…but not about his challenge to turn over 911 call center operations over to the County. Â During last Tuesday’s Fort Wayne City Council Budget Hearing, Councilman Pape suggested that the citizens examine the police budget and decide what can be done without. Â In response, the Administration has set up a comment page for citizens to submit feedback as to what can or should be priorities when considering cuts to the Fort Wayne Police Department Budget. Â The Budget may be downloaded here.
“The public should have a chance to comment on the police budget because of its importance in public safety and judge the cost and importance of the expenditures compared to the value of the police protection provided,” said Councilman Pape. “It’s the City’s largest single department. We cannot cut costs substantially without taking officers off the street. That is the choice.”
The comment page is here. Â A summary of Department Staffing is listed. Â The CIT officers are Crisis Intervention Team officers. Â These officers respond when mental health issues are suspected of playing a part in the crisis. Â This team was formed years ago after Police shot and killed a mentally-ill man years ago. Â These officers are worth their weight in gold. Â I do have to chuckle at the description, “28 fatal team members.” Â I am guessing these are officers that investigate accidents involving fatalities.
Press release from the City:
Online comment page posted for proposed 2009 Fort Wayne Police Budget
Residents can send City Council their feedback about police expendituresFollowing a request from Councilman Tim Pape at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the City of Fort Wayne has posted an online comment form about the proposed 2009 budget for the Fort Wayne Police Department.
The comment form links to the budget and asks for feedback about what the Police Department’s budget priorities should be. All comments will be sent to City Council members, who are currently reviewing Mayor Tom Henry’s 2009 City budget for approval.
“The public should have a chance to comment on the police budget because of its importance in public safety and judge the cost and importance of the expenditures compared to the value of the police protection provided,” said Councilman Pape. “It’s the City’s largest single department. We cannot cut costs substantially without taking officers off the street. That is the choice.”
The Police Department comprises 33 percent of the property-tax supported budget while providing a critical public-safety service for every resident of Fort Wayne. The department has 460 sworn officers, 35 full-time civilian employees and 418 take-home vehicles.
Related weblinks:
Fort Wayne Police Department – 2009 Budget
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