Police commission forwards Jonathan Burnett’s appointment to city council after unanimous confirmation

The Deer Lodge Police Commission voted unanimously Friday to approve police officer candidate Jonathan Burnett as meeting the commission’s minimum qualifications and to forward his appointment to the city council for final approval.

Mayor Jim Jess, who presided briefly, explained the commission’s limited role in the hiring process: "All you're doing is confirming that the officer, the candidate meets minimum qualifications. If you agree that he does, then you'll take a vote, and then he has to go in front of the city council." The mayor added that, if approved by the commission tonight, the candidate would appear before the council next Monday.

Applicant Jonathan Burnett described his background to the commission, saying, "I grew up in Southern California," and that he had spent time in Alaska, Texas and South Dakota before moving locally. Burnett said he worked at a prison to improve his resume for law enforcement and that an encounter with a school resource officer in high school helped guide his career choice.

A commissioner noted statutory pre-employment steps: "Montana law requires that individuals seeking employment as peace officers ... have a medical exam and a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed professional." With those points recorded, one commissioner moved to approve the candidate; the motion was seconded and the board recorded unanimous assent. The presiding officer said the approved candidate would next appear before the city council for formal appointment.

Burnett thanked the commissioners after the vote. The commission announced no fixed date for the next meeting and then adjourned.