OCPD Seasonal Cop Shortage Still Exists, But Not As Significant As Last Summer

OCEAN CITY — Whether it’s a decrease in the number of applicants or fewer applicants that meet the standards, finding enough seasonal officers to meet the Ocean City Police Department’s needs continues to be a challenge.

OCPD Chief Ross Buzzuro presented the department’s requested fiscal year 2017 budget to the Mayor and Council on Monday as part of the ongoing budget work sessions. During a discussion of the OCPD’s proposed fiscal year 2017 budget of around $20 million, the discussion came around to the number of seasonal officers recruited and hired, and the chief told the elected officials a variety of factors continued to create challenges in filling out the ranks.

After hiring just 68 seasonal officers last year while seeking around 100, Buzzuro said the department would likely come in closer to 80 this year although reaching even that number is challenging. However, shifts in personnel responsibilities and duties somewhat lessen the impact of a decidedly smaller seasonal officer pool.

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