UPD Back in Oneida County’s Drug Task Force, Child Advocacy Center

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council narrowly approved an ordinance amending the composition of the Bureau of Police which will allow the Utica Police Department to participate in both the Oneida County Drug Task Force and the County's Child Advocacy Center.

In a 5-to-4 vote, the council elected to accept a one-time payment of $100,000 from the County's District Attorney and the Oneida County Executive, that money will go towards restoring 5 positions within the department.

According to Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, his department has burned through 18% of this year's fiscal overtime budget within the first month. The Chief sights recent staff reductions and the demotion of 23 high ranking officers as part of the reason.

Even with every available cop on the street, the chief says the department is still understaffed in the uniformed patrol division and that shortage is creating an overtime issue.