Violent crime surge spurs calls for pay and staffing fixes
Gastonia officers report a 26 percent rise in violent crimes in the first six months, as the city struggles with staffing shortages and the loss of the street crimes unit. Police seek raises, a sustainable five year plan, and mid August hires to add 11 officers while recruitment efforts expand. Officer pay and retention dominate council discussions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Casson Reynolds
Gastonia
Reynolds
Hoyle
Helton
Police Staffing Comparison by City in Gaston County
Data shows Gastonia with 158 officers serving 73,209 residents, about one officer per 463 residents. Gaston County Police has 136 officers for 80,000 residents, roughly one per 588, while Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police totals 1,849 officers for 813,870 residents, about one per 440. Shelby Police lists 85 officers for 21,000 residents, or one per 247.
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Gastonia
Gaston County Police Department
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Shelby Police Department
Police pay scales in Gaston County and Gastonia
The Gaston County Sheriff's Office offers deputy pay at $32,587 and detention officer at $30,427 while Gastonia Police lists entry level pay at $41,081 and $30,234 for an officer with no degree. Gaston County Police require a four year degree for joining at $35,443.
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Gastonia
Gaston County Sheriff's Office
Gaston County
Beeler Safe Worker Reprimanded as Jail Bond Set
Beeler, a bus driver deemed a model employee, was suspended without pay and barred from YMCA property if released. Sigmon said no concerns had existed and a parental notice will go out Monday to reassure families about children's safety. Beeler remains in Gaston County Jail on a 100000 dollar bond.
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Beeler
Sigman
YMCA
Sigmon
Gaston County
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