The full study can be found here:
Police and fire are both the focus of a Grand Island Public Safety Study released Thursday night.
The city commissioned that International City/County Management Association study back in August 2011.
Now, almost ten months and 85-thousand dollars late, the results are in. Major points in the 753 page report fall mostly on police and fire.
It describes Grand Island Police Department's service as a small town approach to policing.
The study read, "Service is personalized, the police are part of the fabric of the community, and expectations for police service are high."
But, that comes at a cost.
The report goes on to read, "Considerable resources are needed to maintain the small-town approach."
One of those, is more staff.
ICMA officials call GIPD highly professional but understaffed. They say the force needs more non-sworn officers to help manage calls for service.
It suggests that staffing come in the form of a third shift of officers, a swing shift, to supplement current patrol.
The exact number necessary is unclear.
Other recommendations for the department include implementing a case management system to track cases by investigator.
Also, they recommend implementing field reporting systems via a portable, in-car device.
The Grand Island Fire Department also came under review in the analysis.
More advice for GIFD includes includes moving to a new management style.
The suggested style involves identifying and addressing risks in a community before problems hit.
Another recommendation is adjusting management itself, including filling the fire chief vacancy.
The study reacs, "Allow additional time for the appointment of the fire chief and develop a succession plan."
Grand Island officials and the consultants behind the study will discuss the findings in a public study session Saturday morning.
