Columbia public service organizations experience staffing shortages due to COVID

COLUMBIA ,Mo (KMIZ)

The surge in the omicron variant cases plus several open positions at the Columbia Police Department is changing the way officers are dispatched to a 911 call. 

Jeff Pitts, public information officer with CPD, says if an incident occurs, and they feel an officer presence is not needed, they will handle the case over the phone.

"We're trying to take as many calls, or to respond to different types of calls on the telephone or not in person," said Pitts.

This decision comes after CPD reported they have several officers out. Jeff Pitts Public Information Officer with CPD said as of this morning they currently have 11 police officers out sick because of COVID-19.

In addition to not having their current officers, they were are already looking to fill 20 open positions. Columbia police say anyone who is interested in becoming an officer can como.gov/police to find information on employment.

Meanwhile, CPD has community service aids that can help investigate cases when needed. The aids are semi-sworn in individuals who can investigate traffic crashes, property damage and theft.

Pitts said they will also pull detectives from cases to help with patrols if they feel it's necessary. CPD is not the only organization feeling the pressure from the pandemic.

Ben Cornelius, director of marketing for Boone Health, says it's always been hard to hire staff but the pandemic made it harder causing some workers to get burned out or choose to retire early.

Cornelius said they are also facing challenges in non-clinical roles, such as housekeeping and food services. 

He said they currently average around 40 COVID-positive patients per day and are seeing more than 60 staff members out per day with exposure or a positive test. Cornelius said it's straining their staff from both sides and both of those numbers are still increasing.

For Jefferson City Fire Department, their situation is better and they have been able to hold onto their staff despite some of the challenges COVID has caused for them.

Jason Turner Division Chief for Jefferson City Fire Department said they had a few bumps but they will power through. "I would say that we haven't been confronted with any hurdles that we can't overcome. That's more specifically as we have not had an employee shortages or lack of employees," said Turner.