Police department recruiting continuously; three sworn vacancies and recent training completions noted

Chief told the commission the department has three vacant positions and is running a continuous recruitment process through policeapp.com. He described the entry-level hiring steps: applicants take the CPCA online written test, candidates with qualifying scores are interviewed by a rotating three-member departmental panel, then are interviewed by the lieutenant and deputy chief; finalists then go through background checks, polygraph, psychological and medical screening. "That background process is pretty intense," the chief said, listing financial checks, motor vehicle checks, employment history review and interviews with neighbors. The chief reported Officer Jack Butler completed the department's field training and evaluation program and is now working solo; dispatcher Emily Nato also completed her field training in dispatch and is working independently. No motions or personnel appointments were made at the meeting; commissioners discussed the sergeant exam vendor selection and were told the vendor process is "almost complete." The commission said a special meeting could be scheduled to finalize exam vendor arrangements.