BUCYRUS—Bucyrus Police Chief Neil Assenheimer presented his report at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

According to Chief Assenheimer, the Bucyrus Police Department is struggling to maintain a staff of 20 officers. For the first time, the police department is sponsoring a cadet to go through the Academy.

Two officers have resigned, which will bring the force down to a thin 16 officers for a brief time. However, the force should be back at 20 full-time officers by mid-summer when new hires are fully trained.

The struggle to find candidates is ongoing. Officers are leaving the department for higher pay and better career opportunities. The starting salary for a starting police officer in Bucyrus is $44,953.00 per year.

Delaware (where one leaving officer is headed) pays a starting wage of $59,700.00 per year. Assenheimer told council that the struggle to find candidates is made more difficult because of pay differences and many openings in other communities.

In 2021 the department answered 9261 calls for service. In 2021 the department received zero complaints on bias by officers. The department has received Collaborative Certification for safe policing. The department has abandoned the use of chokeholds. Officers and first responders have been trained in mental health awareness. Vehicular pursuit guidelines continue to be implemented.

While crime rates fluctuate, many crime rates are down. Assenheimer noted that the community enjoyed a safe Bratwurst Festival last summer.

The department is having success with K-9 Ellie the Bloodhound, who recently captured a suspect that fled during a domestic dispute. Ellie is handled by Lieutenant Amos Wolfe.

The department is planning to add a drug dog soon. The K-9 program is fully funded by grants and donations. Those wanting to purchase a plush K-9 toy for $20 can do so at the department.

The department now has six full-time dispatchers on staff, which should reduce the costs of civil overtime.

The annual Cruisin With Cops is scheduled for June 11th. Assenheimer says the event that brings many visitors to Bucyrus is slated to be even bigger this year.