Police leaders told the council the police department’s Axon body cameras were deployed and went into effect on Thursday, Dec. 11. The captain thanked the council for approving the equipment purchase and said both squad and body cameras provide valuable tools for public safety.

The department has opened a police officer application that closes Jan. 21 and is participating in a regional hiring consortium with neighboring municipalities to widen candidate pools for firefighter and paramedic positions. Officials said they will bring promotion and eligibility lists to the Police and Fire Commission at its first meeting of the year.

The department also reported a need for alternate crossing guards to cover scheduled absences, and staff described community programs such as 'Shop with a Cop.' Captain Plunt highlighted the work of a recently hired officer, Jackson Hague, noting he has recorded a high number of OWI arrests in a short time.

Council members thanked public safety staff for their work and wished all departments a safe holiday season.