The budget request is out, and South Bend Police have a big staffing issue to address going into the next fiscal year
In fact Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski told the common council that recruitment will be a top priority for the 2020 budget. 70% of the more than $47 million requested next year will actually go toward personnel, and there doesn’t seem to be much argument that its needed. The proposal officially seeks 3 more sworn officer positions, despite the FOP union calling for more than 50.
There was no talk of body cameras during the Chief’s proposal to the council, but he did tell ABC 57 they are looking into more of them.
The council will vote on the final budget in October.
