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Council reviews SRO MOU with school and debates internal hiring for police chief
Summary
Councilors discussed a pending MOU and services contract for a part-time school resource officer, saying the MOU will define hours and liability and must be signed by the school before action. Separately, council debated opening the police chief position to internal candidates and voted to accept internal applications for consideration.
Clarks Summit Borough Council received an update on a memorandum of understanding and services contract for a part-time school resource officer and discussed the borough's process for filling the police chief vacancy.
Staff advised that the MOU will outline the officer's hours and liability protections and that the agreement has been drafted and returned to the school for signature. "Once that's signed, we should be good to go," staff said, noting the MOU provides legal protections and clarifies that the chief controls assignment and hours.
On hiring, council members debated whether to advertise externally or hire from within. One motion directed staff to accept applications from internal candidates and to interview those applicants; members expressed differing views on morale, costs, and the benefits of an internal promotion versus an open competition. The motion to accept internal applications and begin interviews was seconded and carried.
Council asked staff to bring the signed MOU and any staffing cost detail to the next meeting for formal approval so the borough can confirm SRO hours and related cost allocations. The solicitor and chief will finalize the contract addendum and return documentation to council for a formal vote.
