The Athens Police Department will interview six candidates next week to relieve understaffing that was further compounded by another officer's departure earlier this week.
The department has not been fully staffed since 2003 and now has 22 officers despite budgeting for 28. Mayor Ric Abel announced Monday that Officer Roman Brandau gave his two weeks notice, adding that Brandau will be taking a job with the State Fire Marshall.
Two of the available officers are serving full time National Guard commitments, leaving the actual number of officers at 20, Capt. Tom Pyle said. -
he said.
Despite officer shortages and increased overtime, Athens residents should not be worried about their safety, said Ohio Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Lindsay Komlanc.
All of the law enforcement agencies in the area work closely together to ensure the safety of the community she said.
The Athens County Sheriff's Office handles vacant officer positions differently, however.-
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