Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Personnel topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council signals support for internal candidate as police chief, cites need for stability
Summary
During the committee of the whole Jan. 20, Orange Beach councilors expressed strong support for promoting an internal candidate referred to as 'Trent' to police chief, citing officer endorsements and the need for departmental stability.
Several council members told the committee of the whole Jan. 20 they favor appointing an internal candidate—referred to in discussion as "Trent"—to lead the Orange Beach Police Department.
Mayor Kenning said the council had asked for a decision within three months to restore stability after a period of interim leadership. "The stability of the police force is important," he said, calling broad support by officers a significant factor. He recounted that a strong majority of the department had voiced support for Trent; council members referred to a show of support among sergeants and lieutenants.
Council members emphasized training, community policing differences from larger jurisdictions and the value of promoting from within to encourage retention. One member noted the department’s staffing—"a little over 60 police officers"—and cautioned that summertime population increases place additional demands on staffing and resources.
No formal appointment vote was recorded in committee on Jan. 20; members said they would move the matter forward and bring the appointment before the council in a subsequent meeting.
