More Joliet Police Officers Needed For 2021?

JOLIET, IL — As more members of the Joliet Police Department retire and receive hefty payouts for their unused sick, vacation and comp time banks, the cash-strapped city of Joliet has taken a slow approach at filling these officer vacancies.

In 2020, the Joliet Police Department had about a dozen retirements including all four captains positions. The captain positions have been eliminated as part of a collective bargaining agreement reached a couple years back with Sgt. Pat Cardwell and his Joliet Police Supervisors Management Association.

Nowadays, Joliet is also down several rank and file officers, known as the blue shirts.

Joliet Patch recently reached out to the new administration of Interim Police Chief Dawn Malec for a question and answer interview. The following answers were furnished by Malec's new deputy chief of administration Sherrie Blackburn.

1. Patch question: "Being at 248 sworn officers at this point, is that considered a very low number, overall, for the Joliet Police Department in terms of staffing levels for officer assignments?"

Blackburn: "Yes, the amount of sworn officers are down from previous years. However, we have utilized other officers within specialized units to make certain the safety of our community has not been negatively impacted."

2. Patch: "Are there any immediate plans in the next 30 to 60 days to hire several more officers? If so, how many new hires are anticipated?"

Blackburn: "Yes, the police department was just given authorization to begin hiring police officers. We have a current eligibility list which is valid until May 21, 2021."

3. Patch: "Being down from 272 sworn to 248, is that impacting regular neighborhood and traffic patrols in a negative way?"

Blackburn: "Our priority is to maintain adequate staffing levels at the patrol level. We are striving to continue providing the best possible police service to the citizens of Joliet."

4. Patch: What else is important to share related to this topic of Joliet Police Department staffing levels as we enter the new year?

Blackburn: "As we begin the new year, recruiting and training will be critical to the success of the department. Administration is working at a succession plan for potential upcoming retirements, that will ensure necessary staffing. This will allow for a smoother transition into positions."