The Tumwater Civil Service Commission voted to approve an entry-level police officer eligibility list presented during its January meeting. Michelle Sutherland, secretary/examiner, said, “We currently have 15 names on the entry level police officer list,” and reported that four candidates were added while 12 were removed.

Sutherland walked commissioners through the status codes on the list, explaining that candidates marked “in background” are undergoing background checks, “FCI” denotes a failed chief’s interview, “withdrew” indicates the candidate withdrew, “DMS” means the candidate did not show for an interview, and “UTC” stands for “unable to contact.” She told the commission, “It is unable to contact,” referring to the UTC designation.

Acting Police Chief Carlos Keyes updated the commission on department staffing in the same session, saying two sergeants have retired and the department currently has five vacancies. Keyes said body-worn cameras have shipped and are expected to arrive in February, with installation targeted to put cameras in patrol cars by April if there are no delays.

The commission approved the eligibility list by voice vote after a motion and second. The transcript records the vote as a unanimous voice “aye”; individual roll-call tallies were not specified.

Next steps cited in the meeting: candidates on the approved list will continue through standard background and hiring steps and will be eligible for appointment as positions become available.