August 2024. Blues Vol 40 No.8

Recruitment and

Recruitment and Retention Pilot Program to address law enforcement shortages and enhance public safety services, according to a news release. “Shortages in law enforcement are a challenge nationwide. Torrance is a premier law enforcement agency, and we want to attract officers that are representative of our city,” said Mayor George K. Chen. “This pilot program will aid in that effort.” The program offers incentives including bonuses of up to 0,000 for lateral police officers, $40,000 for new police officers, $40,000 for lateral public safety dispatchers and ,000 for new public safety dispatchers, according to the release. Additionally, it includes annual retention bonuses for five years: up to ,000 for sworn staff and ,000 for professional staff. Police Chief Jay Hart expressed gratitude to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager for their support. “This investment in our people is a direct investment in the safety, well-being, and trust of our citizens. I am confident this will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional public safety services, foster stronger community relationships, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” Hart said. MORE THAN 100 ROUNDS FIRED AT VA. CRUISER IN AM- BUSH ATTACK By Mark Price The Charlotte Observer WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — Two police officers were sent scrambling for cover when a man fired more than 100 rounds from a “Shortages in law enforcement are a challenge nationwide. Torrance is a premier law enforcement agency, and we want to attract officers that are representative of our city,” said Mayor George K. Chen. “This pilot program will aid in that effort.” high-powered rifle in a residential neighborhood, according to investigators in eastern Virginia. It happened around noon, Wednesday, July 17, in the Williamsburg area of James City County, officials said, and the officers couldn’t tell who was shooting until a man emerged from his home about 200 feet away and surrendered. He was identified as 35-yearold Andrew Francis Susalis and investigators have yet to release a motive. Neither of the officers were hit by shots, but one was hospitalized after being struck by two bullet fragments, officials said. The shooting lasted 5 minutes and more than 100 holes were counted in the patrol car, officials said. Multiple rounds also went into a nearby home, but none of the occupants were hit. ”For whatever reason, the suspect stopped shooting, came outside of the house and surrendered ... peacefully,” York-Poquoson Sheriff Ron Montgomery said at a press conference posted on YouTube. ”The two James City officers never really knew where the shots were coming from to be able to return fire, so no law enforcement officer returned fire. All the shots that were fired were done by the suspect.” Susalis has been charged with: • Two counts of attempted second-degree murder • Two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony • Two felony counts of reckless handling of a firearm • One felony count of destruction of property • One felony count of shooting into an occupied dwelling A patrol car came to the 300 Block of Marks Pond Way while investigating a road rage incident earlier in the day, officials said. Shots were fired and the other vehicle was hit at least four times, James City County Police Chief Mark Jamison said 72 The Blues - August ‘24

The Blues - August ‘24 73