RACINE, Wis. — Racine Police Chief Maurice Robinson said he believes having two of his officers shot overnight highlights how tough things have been for his department lately.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Robinson applauded the responding officers for their resiliency — staying on the scene after being wounded.
“To sustain a gunshot wound and stay on the scene — that’s courage; that’s dedication, not only for the citizens but also for the other people out on that scene. That’s why they stayed,” said Robinson.
He took to press conference as an opportunity to note that his officers have been working without a contract for two years. He said he expects the department to be short 25 officers by February.
Robinson said the shortage of officers will not stop the Racine Police Department from doing what they were sworn to do.
“We have re-evaluated how we handle those services, and we will continue to deliver those critical services,” he said. “Some of the [less critical matters] will [have to be handled] in a different way == with online reporting or in person at the PD — and some things that are customer service [oriented], our officers will handle. But for those critical things, these same officers will be there.”
In the meantime, both the city and the police department hope they can find a solution to bring the appropriate staffing for law enforcement that the community deserves.
In regards to the contract dispute, Mayor Cory Mason said the last offer they put on the table would give police and fire a 12% raise, but said officials still need help from the state to better fund public safety.
“Funding continues to be a challenge and I would say the state is still sitting on a historically large surplus. Now is the time for the state to reinvest in public safety and for them to live up to their responsibility to keep us all safe,” said Mayor Mason.