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No crisis in staffing exists, police officials say
By AMY HERDY, Times Staff Writer
TAMPA -- Tampa Police officials said Tuesday that an internal memo criticizing the department as understaffed -- in part because of new responsibilities related to terrorism -- exaggerates the problem. "The city has never suffered because of this internal issue," spokeswoman Katie Hughes said in a hastily called news conference. She said the department has hired 145 additional officers in the past seven years and said the number of "homeland security assignments" has been reduced. The response came one day after a memo decrying police staffing was leaked to various media outlets. The memo, written by a Tampa police lieutenant, says the department is suffering from a personnel shortage that is affecting service and morale. "In our current operating mode, all we are doing is responding from call to call, reporting rather than investigating, and certainly not deterring crime," read the June 27 letter written by Tampa police Lt. Lynda Milana. "Working with fewer and fewer people every day is beginning to take its toll in attitude, frustration levels and patience." The memo was addressed to police Chief Bennie Holder. It said that because of additional patrols for homeland security since Sept. 11, as well as the deployment of specialty units within the department, the patrol districts are understaffed. "Squads are out there working day and night at less than 75 percent capacity," wrote Milana, who declined to talk to reporters Tuesday. "It is a matter of time before one of these officers is injured because of this unsafe and dangerous environment created by the staffing shortage." Holder was out of town Tuesday. Deputy Chief John Bushell, who took his place at the news conference, denied there are serious problems. "I believe their perception is very real," Bushell said about officers who believe the department is understaffed. "And obviously this lieutenant feels very strongly about it." Kevin Durkin, head of the Tampa police union, said the problem is real and is an issue he has discussed with administration for months. "The bottom line is there's not enough cops working the streets, and the troops are bone-weary, and they have a right to be," Durkin said. "Lt. Milana's memo represents the overwhelming majority of the uniformed officers." Maj. Scott Cunningham, who heads patrol District I, said understaffing is an ongoing problem that has been compounded since Sept. 11. But so far, he said, no one is at risk. "I don't think it's to the point where officer safety or public safety is compromised," Cunningham said. "But I think we need to re-evaluate the situation." The memo called for several changes, including taking staff from specialty areas such as drug or prostitution units, redeploying light-duty personnel and re-evaluating the need to fill homeland security assignments. -- Amy Herdy can be reached at (813) 226-3386 or herdy@sptimes.com.
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