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Chief Picard cites staffing gaps; officer Bennett in week eight of academy
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Summary
Chief Picard apologized for a late monthly report, citing staff shortages while an administrative employee is out, and said Officer Nathan Bennett is in his eighth week at the academy after completing EVO training in Plainfield; the department’s kitchen remodel is nearly finished.
Chief Picard delivered the Burns Harbor Police Commission’s monthly report, apologizing that the written report was late because a staff member is out of the office. “The report got submitted today. I apologize for the lateness of it,” Picard said.
Picard told the commission that Officer Nathan Bennett is in his eighth week at the police academy and recently finished EVO training in Plainfield. “Officer Nathan Bennett, this is week 8 already at the police academy. He just finished EVO down in Plainfield last week,” Picard said.
Picard also updated the commission on facility work, saying the kitchen remodel is roughly 90% complete. He said the absent staff member — identified in the meeting as Michelle — is assisting remotely as capacity allows and that the department expects to complete the policy manual work with fewer interruptions.
Why it matters: training and staffing levels affect patrol capacity and scheduling. The commission heard no formal request for new hires or budget changes during the report; Picard framed the update as routine departmental status and near-term project progress.
What’s next: Picard said he expects more of the policy manual work to be done before the next meeting and that Michelle will assist remotely when able. The commission made no formal directive or vote on staffing or policy during this segment.
