Saginaw swears in four new police officers as chief urges community policing

Saginaw swore in four new police officers during the council meeting, where Chief Ruth outlined a multi‑month field training program and emphasized community engagement as central to local policing.

At the meeting Chief Ruth introduced Eric Morissetti, Joseph Coffey, Renee Mia and Christopher Thompson and told them they will undergo an additional four to five months of local training after academy graduation. "Number 1, get out of the patrol car. Engage the community," the chief said, urging officers to talk and interact with residents to build trust. She also listed expectations for treating citizens with respect and staying positive in difficult interactions.

The clerk administered the oath of office and officers signed the official roll. Family members participated in a badge‑pinning ceremony and council members and guests offered congratulations. Mayor Moore and other council members thanked the officers and their families for their service and welcomed them as new members of the public safety team.

The new officers were described as entering a phased program that pairs them with experienced officers before independent patrol duties. Council did not take formal action beyond recognition and ceremonial administration of the oath; no policy changes were proposed at the ceremony.

The swearing-in concluded with brief remarks from the mayor thanking attendees and emphasizing community support for the department.