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Keizer Police introduce three new officers as department highlights hiring shift
Summary
Keizer Police Chief Copeland introduced three new department members — Ben Crosby, Josh Barnett and Caleb Harrison — citing a decade‑old hiring shift to select strong community candidates and train them through the academy and field training program.
Keizer Police Chief Copeland introduced three new members of the Keizer Police Department during the City Council meeting on Dec. 1, praising a hiring approach the department adopted about ten years ago that prioritizes community fit and training.
“Let's pick the best person and train them to be a cop,” Copeland said, describing the department’s decision to expand recruitment beyond already‑trained law enforcement hires. He introduced Ben Crosby (transitioned from code compliance to a community service officer role), Josh Barnett (who has worked in social services, at Oregon State Hospital and at Silverton PD, and who is engaged with the academy), and Caleb Harrison (a former Keizer cadet with experience at McMinnville PD).
Copeland described Crosby’s nearly 20 years in municipal enforcement, Barnett’s work creating the CTEC law‑enforcement program and his background in psychology and youth services, and Harrison’s customer‑service background and recent law‑enforcement experience. Copeland performed a badge‑presentation for the new hires and noted family members were present.
Mayor Clark congratulated the new officers and said the introductions were a strong way to begin the month. Chief Copeland emphasized the department’s commitment to procedural justice and treating people with dignity and respect.
The introductions were ceremonial and informational; no formal council action was required.
