Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis is worried that a surge of police retirements in 2010 could possibly lead to a manpower shortage, ultimately leading to more crime in the city.
A new police contract put into place by Mayor Daley now offers premium health benefits to those officers who retire at the age of 55.
The Police Department currently has 600 vacancies, has hired only 46 officers in 2009, and is 2,000 police officers short of "authorized strength."
"I am extremely nervous about the number of officers who may choose to leave, based upon the fact that the contract may be signed in 2010," Weis told aldermen at a City Council budget hearing.
With the contract signed and sealed, as many as 1,000 officers can leave the force next year.
"It truly is unacceptable. We want these numbers filled and filled now. We'll find the funding for it. If we have to get rid of some of these other departments ... [or cut their budgets in half] to fill these vacancies, we'll do that," said Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd).
