WTOL.com, Toledo's News Leader, News 11 | Last of the laid-off Toledo officers return to force

Last of the laid-off Toledo officers return to force

By Lisa Rantala - bio | email

Posted by Lisa Strawbridge - email

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTOL) - Mayor Carty Finkbeiner and Toledo police Chief Mike Navarre announced Thursday that the last of the 75 officers laid off in May have been called back to work.

In a press conference, Mayor Finkbeiner said it will not cost the city any money to bring back the officers. The last 14 officers laid off in May were called back due to retirements and officers being called back to military duty.

The announcement does not mean there will be more officers on the street. At the beginning of 2009, 639 officers made up the Toledo Police Department. The department had 12 more retirements this year than expected, so even with the laid-off officers back, the department will end the year with 598. That's still 41 fewer officers than the city had a year ago.

Chief Navarre said, "We have weathered a very difficult year, and I'm very proud of the men and women of the police department."

Residents believe the city is suffering. Earlier this week, west side neighbors told the mayor that they are feeling the impact. "We have mayhem in our street. They'd come from the north side the west side -- the gang-bangers are all meeting on our streets," one resident said from a neighborhood near Rogers High School.

The mayor also said a police class will be funded next year for up to 33 new officers. However, with retirements, Chief Navarre said the number on the force will only break even.

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