Burr Ridge Often Has Unfilled Cop Positions

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge police have an authorized strength of 30 officers.

In reality, the department rarely has that many working, which is not unusual.

Between retirements and officers attending the academy, police departments are usually a few short.

A few years ago, Hinsdale decided to go over budget by hiring one more officer than authorized, so the village would be ahead of the game.

In Burr Ridge, the village now employs 28 officers, but two are in training, Chief Marc Loftus told the Village Board on Monday.

"So, realistically, we're at 26 at the moment," he said. "We get two steps ahead and one step back as we are trying to get two more hired before the next police academy in September."

"Might we be at 30 in the fall?" Mayor Gary Grasso asked.

"We might," the chief said.

Added Village Administrator Evan Walter, "By being paid, not necessarily active."

With its authorized strength, Burr Ridge has more officers per capita than such towns as Elmhurst, which budgets for 68 officers.

Under its plan, Burr Ridge is supposed to have one officer for every 375 people, compared with one for every 675 in the larger Elmhurst.