"Every single societal issue ends up on the doorstep of the police" Chief Christopher Parella remarked during his introductory remarks at the beginning of Tuesday's Council meeting, where fifteen new officers were sworn in.
Nine of the new officers were recruited through the Lateral Entry Program, an initiative started by Parella last year. This includes both K9 Officer Chiko and his handler. The city has saved at least $270,000 on the Lateral Entry Program in training costs.
Parella noted that the officers were sworn in by the City Manager but that he wants them to be sworn in front of their elected leaders and the community they serve.
Ceremonial Mayor James Briden swore in the recruits and in most cases, badges were pinned on by loved ones of the newly sworn officers, overseen by Chief Parella and Acting City Manager Malcolm Moore in his capacity as Public Safety Commissioner.
Nine of the new officers were recruited through the Lateral Entry Program, an initiative started by Parella last year. This includes both K9 Officer Chiko and his handler. The city has saved at least $270,000 on the Lateral Entry Program in training costs.
Parella noted that the officers were sworn in by the City Manager but that he wants them to be sworn in front of their elected leaders and the community they serve.
Ceremonial Mayor James Briden swore in the recruits and in most cases, badges were pinned on by loved ones of the newly sworn officers, overseen by Chief Parella and Acting City Manager Malcolm Moore in his capacity as Public Safety Commissioner.
