john joly

Acting Mayor Laura Lewis says given the current job market, she thinks it’s unrealistic for the police department to fill all 15 vacant positions in one year.

The police department’s sign on bonus for lateral transfer hires has grown significantly since it was introduced last November in the city budget.

“Having an acting chief at the helm of the department right now is not causing any problems."

He said Barksdale asked for help to complete investigations of cases she was assigned but the City and police department didn’t provide the support she needed. Barksdale is accused by the City of mishandling dozens of cases, including sex offenses.