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Lancaster swears in three new police officers; city highlights community panel in hiring process
Summary
The council honored a swearing‑in for three new Lancaster Police Department officers — Garrett Cole, Matthew Rodriguez and Lillian Shaw — and the department described its hiring process, including community panels and background checks.
Lancaster City officials ceremonially swore in three new Lancaster Police Department officers during the council meeting and described the department’s hiring procedures.
City and department speakers introduced the officers and recited the oath. The new officers are Garrett Cole (three years, Bakersfield Police Department), Matthew Rodriguez (16 years, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department) and Lillian “Lily” Shaw (eight years, Sierra Madre Police Department). Department staff summarized each officer’s background in investigations, field training, dispatch or instruction. Shaw was described as a current U.S. Army reservist and as having served as a PIO and crisis negotiator.
The department emphasized its hiring process: two interviews, a physical agility test, medical and psychological evaluations, an extensive background investigation and a community panel that participates in interviews to give local residents input on candidate selection.
The mayor presented certificates and the council offered brief remarks thanking the officers and congratulating their families. The swearing‑in was a ceremonial event; no council action or budget decision was associated with the ceremony.
