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Police chief says hiring progress could restore full complement; mental‑health detective identified
Summary
Police Chief Derek Elmore told the commission the department has three sworn openings and four candidates in or entering background checks, expects a crime‑analyst hire in weeks, and has identified a detective to work on a new mental‑health program alongside a clinician.
Police Chief Derek Elmore updated the commission on recruitment and internal restructuring. "The police recruitment so far, we have three police openings that are still active right now... We have 4 candidates right now that are either in background or getting ready to go in the background to fill those 3 open spots," Elmore said, and added the crime analyst candidate has completed background and may be hired "within the next 2 to 3 weeks." He described a reorganization of command to two captains (replacing deputy chief/lieutenant configuration) and said the department has identified a detective who will work permanently with a mental‑health clinician to respond to crisis calls and help connect people with services.
Commissioners asked whether filling the three openings would restore a full complement; Elmore said yes. He also said neighborhood‑watch outreach will resume in August, with plans for a national‑night‑out style event in October. Questions about a K‑9 unit were answered: the department currently does not have one but could consider reinstating a unit after staffing levels stabilize.
