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Staffing plagues Park City police
By Taylor Messick
Last Updated: July 06, 2017

The Park City Police Department has fallen on difficult times in recent years. Understaffing has plagued the department and made the job difficult for those who work hard to keep the community safe.

"We're currently in the same situation we've been in for quite some time," said Chief Phil Bostian. "If any officer takes a day off for any reason — whether it's sick leave, vacation or whatever — someone else has to work overtime to cover the shift; that's just to maintain minimum coverage."

Bostian said that right now it's standard for his officers to work between 90 and 110 hours in a two-week period. Vacation time has also been limited for officers because of the understaffing. This type of environment often begins to wear on employees, especially in a position as stressful as that of a police officer, he said.

Lately, the staffing issues have gotten even more difficult. Park City hired four new officers over the past couple months but only one has completed training. Park City also lost yet another officer recently. Two of Park City's officers are also now a part of the National Guard.

"I want to say that we're very proud of them," said Bostian. "Whatever inconvenience it is to us that they serve is just our responsibility. We will cover for them while they're in training or drill."

Fewer officers means those with extra responsibilities or titles have less time to spend on their additional duties. For example, the operations lieutenant has to work extra shifts and has less time to spend working on federal grant applications that can benefit the department.

Another way the department is suffering from understaffing is that officers are unable to participate in potentially valuable training. Bostian says the department has money to supplement the training of its officers but currently lacks the time.

To make things even more difficult, crime seems to be up in Park City. During 2016, Park City received 60 percent more 911 calls than Bel Aire and 55 percent more than Valley Center.

"That was last year," said Bostian. "But it seems that this year — things always heat up in the summer a little bit so we always see a spike. Statistics will show later where we're actually at but it does seem that crime is up."

The types of crimes that are prominent in Park City vary depending on the age of the suspects. Bostian said that some types are noticeably more prominent.

"We always see juvenile crime spike in the summer," he said. "They're out of school and they can get a little out of control and get in trouble. We've seen some violent crime spike here recently. Also, domestic violence is up; that's one of the big things we deal with here in Park City. A big chunk of our day-to-day work is domestic violence."

Bostian said "community policing" has also taken a hit. Officers have less time to spend helping neighbors, friends or family members solve minor disputes and de-escalate situations before they take a turn for the worse. The police are also longing for the opportunity to engage in positive interactions with community members.

"I get a lot of requests from folks," said Bostian. "They want us to come to barbecues, community events and things of that nature. We want to be involved in those things but because of our staffing situation we simply can't. That will change — but right now that's where we're at."

With all of the adversity the department continues to face, Bostian and his officers have still found ways to be positive and look forward to the future. He said new hiring incentives granted by city council last year have drastically improved the department's hiring ability. The new officers who have already been hired will also start to complete training and make their way onto the force over the next few months to provide some relief. And, of course, the new police headquarters should open this month and improve morale and effectiveness.

"I have to give a little praise to our officers because I'm proud," said Bostian. "Under difficult circumstances they've stepped up and done what's needed. Day-in, day-out and 24 hours a day they try to keep this community safe and provide services for the people of Park City."





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