Florida City Considers Outsourcing Law Enforcement
November 16, 2009
PANAMA CITY, FL – A Panama City commissioner said Saturday the city might be able to save money by abolishing the Panama City Police Department and contracting with the Bay County Sheriff ’s Office for law-enforcement services.
Commissioner John Kady brought the issue up during a two day workshop that began Friday and ended Saturday.
“It might be smarter for us, from an economic standpoint, to contract with the Sheriff,” Kady said in an interview with The News Herald. He added he had no problems with the police department.
“I think the officers and managers do a great job,” Kady said.
Mayor Scott Clemons said he believed the commission was willing to, at least, investigate the cost savings that could come with such a move. “We have to be good stewards of our tax dollars,” Clemons said. However, Sheriff Frank McKeithen seemed to take a dim view of the possible change. “Number one, I think Panama City has an excellent police department and we work very well together,” McKeithen said.
He added he would only do a study into the matter if the commission voted for it at a commission meeting. McKeithen said individuals from various cities do ask about outsourcing their law enforcement responsibilities from time to time and that his department tries to avoid those requests unless the commission involved votes in favor of the study.
November 16, 2009
PANAMA CITY, FL – A Panama City commissioner said Saturday the city might be able to save money by abolishing the Panama City Police Department and contracting with the Bay County Sheriff ’s Office for law-enforcement services.
Commissioner John Kady brought the issue up during a two day workshop that began Friday and ended Saturday.
“It might be smarter for us, from an economic standpoint, to contract with the Sheriff,” Kady said in an interview with The News Herald. He added he had no problems with the police department.
“I think the officers and managers do a great job,” Kady said.
Mayor Scott Clemons said he believed the commission was willing to, at least, investigate the cost savings that could come with such a move. “We have to be good stewards of our tax dollars,” Clemons said. However, Sheriff Frank McKeithen seemed to take a dim view of the possible change. “Number one, I think Panama City has an excellent police department and we work very well together,” McKeithen said.
He added he would only do a study into the matter if the commission voted for it at a commission meeting. McKeithen said individuals from various cities do ask about outsourcing their law enforcement responsibilities from time to time and that his department tries to avoid those requests unless the commission involved votes in favor of the study.
