11/02/2025
Long post, but here is some information we would like to share before the Proposition 1 vote on Tuesday.
1. We are currently at 18,113 calls and counting (compared to Quincy at 26,000 calls with double the population). Our staffing is frozen at 32 officers and we are currently running with 29 sworn (versus 74 sworn at Quincy). With this, Hannibal is 64% above the national average in crime statistics and we often run with the required minimal staffing per shift, causing strain to each officer’s work load. (When you see us, we’re most likely headed to a call).
2. 50 cents per $100 generates approximately $1,000,000 for the Police and Fire Departments respectively.
3. What can we get with the funding? Besides salary assistance for our minimal staffing, we are looking to improve on our Report Management Systems for improved call-reporting and report-writing organization. We are eventually going to need better body cameras, which improves transparency between the department and the public. Yes we have Tahoes, because it was the only vehicle with a waitlist less than two years and we extended the life of other patrol vehicles to save funds. Those Tahoes will still need maintenance throughout the year. We are in need of newer Tasers, which are crucial for deescalation and maintaining life.
4. Proposition 1 frees up funds for the city to concentrate on other financial and infrastructural needs. The bill focuses on funds going strictly to first responders.
Our officers bleed for this city, who we care for despite the criticism we receive for doing our job efficiently. We pay taxes, we have families, we want to contribute to the betterment of Hannibal just like everyone else. We need Proposition 1 to do it.
