Applications up for polices job in Richmond

On the way to the office the morning, I saw about 10 new "retail space available" signs that weren't around a few weeks ago. During the same time, I saw no new retail establishments being started. This is part of the larger problem in America right now - the private sector is not creating new jobs to replace the ones that are being destroyed.

The public sector continues to hire (the extent to which budget is available). But the net result is there will be many more applicants for public sector jobs like for police employment. KVEWTV reports applications for police jobs up 36% in Richmond

Raising the retirement age for police

The Massachusetts legislature is considering a bill to raise the retirement age for police and fire fighters. Law makers are looking to raise the required years of service from 20 to 25 years.

The obvious reason for this development is it delays paying out retirement benefits during a time period where most states are strapped for cash. At the same time, have the implications of forcing people to work longer at these physically demanding jobs been properly studied?

California state layoffs delayed

Looks like because a California state budget agreement was reached, the armada of pink slips has been delayed. Apparently about 20% of California state employees are going to be losing their jobs. People are dreading coming home to find a pink slip waiting for them in the mail.

Local governments already reducing the number of California police jobs. We'll see how police layoffs play out at the state level.

Increased competition for police jobs

The recession / depression is increasing competition for jobs across the board. Rising unemployment and underemployment combined with a few job vacancies means that lots of people are a applying for a dwindling number of jobs.

Though the number of police job vacancies are dwindling, the Greenville News is reporting that job applications are up 45% in 2008. The number of applicants with college degress and master degrees are also elevated.

180 job cuts for police and firefighters

The news out of Brockton today is grim. The local mayor James Harrington says the city is facing a $28 million budget short fall. To make up for the shortfall this city is considering laying off 180 policemen and firefighters.

Brockton police chief William Conlon explains:

"I would have to strip a number of divisions right down to bare bones -- detective division would probably just have a few detectives. We'd take officers out of the schools. We'd take officers away from traffic patrol..."

The alternative is for the city union to offer wage and benefit concessions. This is a tricky situation for unions - do they offer concessions that will hurt them in the long run in order to prevent short term acute pain?

Obama on how the stimulus helps police jobs

In President Obama's remarks yesterday, he discussed that not only is the stimulus aiming to create the 21st jobs of green tech and new technology, but also provide respite to embattled state budgets for essential services:

"They’ll be jobs creating 21st century classrooms, libraries, and labs for millions of children across America. And they’ll be the jobs of firefighters, teachers, and police officers that would otherwise be eliminated if we do not provide states with some relief."

Violence breaks out at a Tennesse jobs center

Seems like a scene out of Grapes of Wrath.

Police called to stop scuffle at Tenn. job center