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Benson police: two recruits sworn in; backgrounds underway for additional hires and bike‑patrol certifications planned
Summary
The Police Department reported two conditional hires were sworn in and will begin field training next week; backgrounds are underway for two more candidates and the department expects one vacancy to remain. A bike-certification class next month will expand certified bike officers to five.
Commissioner William Neighbors asked the police chief whether the five positions listed in the department report would be filled. Police Chief Greg Percy said two conditional offers were sworn in the day before the July 8 work session and those officers will begin field training next week. Background investigations are under way for two more candidates; if successful, Chief Percy said the department would still have one vacancy.
Commissioner Will Chandler said the town does not have difficulty recruiting officers but does have trouble retaining them; Chandler said departures he has discussed were not salary-related. Chief Percy said some officers leave for opportunities for advancement.
Chief Percy also noted that one officer worked on bike patrol July 4 and that a bike-certification class is scheduled next month with three officers signed up; once completed, the department will have five officers certified to ride bikes.
The board had no formal vote on staffing at the work session beyond acknowledging the report and discussing next steps for recruitment and retention.
