August 31st, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Like many industries, local police departments are facing staffing issues and you can include Cumberland on that list. The department tries to maintain a staffing level of around 50 officers- but retirements and sick leave oftens finds that number much lower.  Earlier this summer Police Chief Chuck Ternent reported that his department was down 8 officers and while there have been recruitment efforts ongoing, there hasn’t been much success as the shortage is a statewide, regional and national problem. Despite the shortage, Ternent says the crime numbers are actually down across the board…