Hopewell police outline hiring progress and technology-backed crime-reduction plans

Chief Taylor presented the Hopewell Police Department’s recruitment and crime-reduction update, reporting the department received approximately 195 applicants since March 2025 and completed roughly 47 background investigations. The department said it has filled eight police positions and one dispatch position since March.

Taylor said recent hires include seven new recruits and one pre-certified officer; four of those recruits are attending the Basic Academy and are expected to graduate in December, but will not be released to solo patrol until approximately April. Taylor said recruits who are not pre-certified typically require an academy term plus field training before they can work independently — “it’s almost a year before they’re in a solo capacity,” she said.

Staff descri…