NORWICH – A vacancy in the City of Norwich Police Department has created a gap in the 12-hour shift schedule - which is currently being covered by overtime - and according to Police Chief Joseph Angelino, if it is not filled, it could cause scheduling problems.

Angelino went before the members of the Finance/Personnel Committee on Tuesday to ask to fill the position left by Officer James Samuelson, who recently transferred to another department. Angelino said since the position was vacated about a week ago, the department has already seen 24 hours of overtime. “Because the schedule is so tight, this is what happens,” the chief said.

Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey asked whether the shift had to be covered.

Currently, the police department runs four shifts, with four people on at all times. “Now one shift has only three people, and when someone goes on vacation or calls in sick, there are only two. We can’t even run the station with that many,” he said.

Angelino said through the end of the projected schedule, the department will see at least 88 additional hours of overtime.

“Because of the long shifts, it’s hard to cover. You burn out quickly and it catches up after a while,” said Human Resources Director Deborah DeForest.

“If you bring someone on, there’s going to be training and additional costs,” Jeffrey said. He asked how long it would be before someone could be in the position. Angelino said it would probably be October before anyone was working.