Flint police chief says more officers needed

FLINT, Mich. – The Flint Police Department is facing a shortage of police officers, according to Chief Timothy Johnson.

He attended the city council’s budget hearing on Tuesday afternoon. A half hour into the session, he threatened to walk out due to the council’s conduct.

"He would like to be out in the field, and we feel the exact same way. We get paid to work for the city, and it's not getting done,” said Councilwoman Eva Worthing.

As the shouting match among council members resumed, councilpersons Worthing, Eric Mays, Kate Fields, Herbert Winfrey, and Allan Griggs headed for the door.

Mays said the fervor rose when he requested to more than double the police department’s budget.

"Meetings breaking up, because I want to move $2 million of a $20 million fund balance to the police department."

Johnson appeared before the council to defend his need for more officers and other resources.

"The citizens of Flint deserve the best police service we can give them; and right now, they're not getting it. They're not getting it."

He said the 95-member force is stretched thin. Many officers have to work double shifts when a crime occurs.

"It makes for a long day and a hard night. It's almost like it's not enough hours in the day to complete this job,” he said.

The proposed budget for the 2020/2021 fiscal year recommends about $1.73 million for the department, and calls for an additional 16 officers. The budget still needs approval.

"There's no middle ground when you're out there trying to save someone's life; and actually, that's even putting our lives on the line to make sure that citizen goes home at night,” he said. “That's my perspective."