Arlington Heights Police Department Facing Shortages

The number of officers that should be on the Arlington Heights Police Department is 109, Arlington Heights Police Chief Gerald Mourning told the Chicago Tribune. But, by May, the department could have a dozen fewer officers than that.

Here is how the numbers break down:

• 5 vacant positions
• 2 Officers retiring in May
• 5 Working light-duty capacities
• 2 Expressed interest in retiring in the next year.

Additionally, Mourning said the shortage is partly due the fact that a number of officers were hired 30 years ago and are now eligible for retirement.

Existing officers are working overtime to bridge the gap.

“According to village records, the department paid almost $1.2 million in overtime to its officers in 2014, about $233,000 more than it paid the year before,” The Chicago Tribune reported.