Hoping we can restore the luster to police workFacing a $3 million shortfall in McMinnville’s fiscal 2025-26 budget, city staff recommended cutting 11.6 positions, six of them in the police department. The former state police captain has inherited eight unfilled positions, several of which have remained unfilled for years. Police work offers attractive pay and benefits, as evidenced by the $520,000 price tag for retaining three more unfilled positions. The New York City Police Department fielded 40,000 officers in 2000, but is down to 34,000 now. Being new at the helm should prove an advantage in renewing enthusiasm for police work in McMinnville.