GAINESVILLE - Tony McClung of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs said Gainesville is the most unique city in the state when it comes to determing how many officers its police force needs.
"It's an economic hub for an entire region and Georgia just doesn't have any other cities its size to compare too for these type of needs," McClung said.
McClung, who presented a study to the City Council Thursday on the patroling needs of the city, did the study at the behest of Gainesville Police Chief Frank Hooper, whose department was denied funding for six new officers during last year's budget process.
In his report, McClung said the city really needs nine new officers.
"Based on the amount of traffic during certain times and how many people come into the city, the patrol division needs nine more officers to cover the amount of calls it receives," McClung said.
Hooper said he realizes that adding nine seems a lot to ask.
"Well, we'll make the presentation and see what the council has to say," Hooper said. "The worst they can say is no, but I hope they reconsider their earlier decision."
McClung said he doesn't get into budget disputes and doesn't consider budgets when making his recommendations.
"All I look at, based on the type of report, is what the facts are based on the information. I don't consider budget problems or surpluses," McClung said. "In this case, the volume of calls are the only criteria and that's what I based my recommendation on."
Wednesday
January 22nd, 2025
4:01PM
