Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Police commission: Rawlins police remain understaffed, commission reports roughly five officer vacancies
Summary
Robert Stip, chair of the Rawlins Police Civil Service Commission, told council the department remains critically short‑staffed with about five officer openings, a lieutenant opening and an expected sergeant opening; he confirmed the department’s roster totals and explained the commission’s testing and hiring role.
Robert Stip, chair of the Rawlins Police Civil Service Commission, briefed council on June 16, 2026, describing the commission’s responsibilities for new‑hire and promotional testing and discipline. Stip said the department remains "critically short" of staff: roughly five officer openings, one lieutenant vacancy and an expected sergeant opening this summer.
Stip gave a breakdown of sworn positions the department is structured to hold: 19 sworn positions including the chief, three lieutenant slots, four sergeant positions and 11 officer slots. He credited command staff for ongoing recruiting efforts and thanked current department members for their professionalism amid staffing shortages.
Council members asked for clarification on vacancy counts and timeline for promotions; Stip said promotional testing has not been recently conducted but the commission has tested several entry candidates and moved them to the eligibility roster for further consideration by the department.
Council expressed appreciation for the commission’s work and for police efforts during recent incidents in Carbon County. Stip invited questions and affirmed the commission’s support for the department’s staffing needs.
