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Committee approves Ryan Westgate for police officer; discussion focuses on hiring timeline and academy seats
Summary
The Somerville Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee voted to approve the appointment of Ryan Westgate as a police officer; members and staff discussed staffing levels, the next police academy in March, and legal limits on reviewing pre-employment records for new hires.
The Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters Committee voted to approve the appointment of Ryan Westgate to the Somerville Police Department and referred the nomination to the full City Council for a final vote tomorrow.
The vote concluded a public committee interview during which members and city staff discussed police staffing levels, the timing of the next police academy and the limits imposed by civil service and legal advice on what the committee may review about new hires before medical clearance.
Chief Benford presented Westgate and described him as a lifelong Somerville resident and “a proud graduate of Somerville High School,” highlighting the candidate’s academic record and local ties. "We're extremely proud of what he comes in with…
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