SAFER (Staffing Assistance for Effective Retention) Lorain

The City of Lorain is seeking $931,000 in DOJ Byrne Grant funding to establish the "SAFER (Staffing Assistance for Effective Retention) Lorain" Program. This initiative aims to provide recruitment and retention resources to achieve the authorized staffing level. Currently, the Lorain Police Department operates below its authorized staffing level, with 104 full-time sworn officers, 10 full-time communication officers, and 5 full-time civilian support staff members.

Lorain faces a crime rate higher than many of Ohio's cities and towns of all sizes. Historically, the Department has grappled with providing competitive compensation to attract and retain personnel. This challenge, combined with the city's elevated crime rates, has depleted the police force, leaving it understaffed and strained. DOJ Byrne resources will ensure that the Lorain Police Department possesses the necessary personnel to fulfill its objectives: preventing crime, enforcing laws in a fair and impartial manner, and apprehending law violators.

With this funding, we will institute a retention bonus for current personnel, disbursed annually on their anniversary date. The program will commence upon the grant's award and remain in effect until the grant completion date. Additionally, we will establish a recruitment bonus for newly hired officers, which will be paid in two (2) installments.