Department hires 3 officers

By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city police department's three new officers bring the total force to 81, as the city administration's long-term efforts to beef up the ranks continue.
Arthur Carter of Youngstown, Michael Edwards Jr. of Warren and Seth Simpson of Niles were sworn in Tuesday on the steps of city hall by Service-Safety Director William D. Franklin.
The swearing-in was a historic day for Warren, Mayor Michael J. O'Brien said. "It's with great pride that we're able to add three new officers at one time," he noted.
The ideal number of officers for a city of Warren's size is between 81 and 84 officers, O'Brien said.
Warren police have brought on 10 new officers since 1999, when there were 74 in the force, O'Brien said. The department has also lost three officers for various reasons -- bringing its total to 81, including the police chief, he said.
The city would like to be able to hire more officers, O'Brien said. "It's a process of examining the budget and seeing what is available," he said.
Pay, benefits
A starting patrolman in the city makes about $54,000 annually including benefits, Auditor David Griffing said. Patrolmen are paid $15.06 an hour and they receive a police and fire pension, hospitalization, dental and vision insurance.
A pledge was made to bring the department's numbers up to 84 in 2001 when a 0.5-percent income tax for the police and fire departments was first passed; the tax was renewed in 2004. The tax generates $4.5 million annually and will expire in 2008.
The new officers will begin field training immediately and should be on patrol within a couple of weeks, Franklin said.
The city received 19 r & eacute;sum & eacute;s and did 10 interviews for the positions, Franklin said.
The three new officers did well in the interview process and also scored well on written exams and psychological tests. Franklin said their levels of experience is impressive.
Carter is formerly of the Struthers Police Department, Edwards is formerly of the Vienna Police Department and Simpson is formerly of the Braceville Police Department.
The department will also be adding 10 new police vehicles, Franklin said. Five will be for patrol and five for detective units.
agarrett@vindy.com