SALISBURY, Md. (AP) — Salisbury city leaders have approved $488,000 in raises for police department officers and dispatchers.

The Daily Times of Salisbury reports that the council unanimously approved the funding on Monday amid reports of low morale, high turnover and hasty investigative work.

Law enforcement officials said the raises would help retain and attract experienced officers. Police Chief Barbara Duncan says the department has lost five officers to other jobs since January and more than a dozen are actively seeking other employment.

The council also said Monday that it would examine salaries in other departments by the end of the year.
——
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)