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Police chief reports recent crashes, arrests and staffing shortfalls
Summary
The police chief updated the board on 41 incident reports including 11 crashes and 23 arrests, said one officer has resigned, and described active recruiting efforts and a $3,500 sign‑on for certified hires; the department plans academy placement to build ranks.
The Coopertown police chief reported the department logged 41 incident reports for the period, including 11 traffic crashes, roughly 23 arrests (including narcotics and domestic‑related incidents) and about 42 citations. He said recent crash investigations included a high‑speed collision in which the other driver failed to yield; the injured officer is recovering and expected to return to duty.
The chief also reported staffing losses: one officer submitted a two‑week resignation and will be leaving the department. On recruiting, the chief said the department has received few applications but is pursuing candidates, including offering a $3,500 sign‑on for certified officers; the department also plans to prepare recruits for academy attendance and to use a revised hiring process that includes written and physical tests.
“We’re trying to hire certified officers; it’s a lot easier,” the chief said, and described efforts to place recruits in upcoming academy sessions and to support them with local training.
Board members and the chief noted challenges in attracting certified officers and discussed using incentives and a revised hiring practice to stabilize staffing. The transcript records the report and discussion but does not record a formal personnel action or hiring decision.
