Yellow Springs to hire third police sergeant

YELLOW SPRINGS — The Yellow Springs Police Department will be adding a new sergeant to its ranks, drawn from the officers currently on the force. Eligible officers are able to begin the application process this month, with the hope that a candidate will be chosen by mid-January, said Village Manager Patti Bates.

Police Chief David Hale said that another sergeant is needed to help streamline operations and provide a point of contact for other officers.

Related: Bob Young, co-owner of Young’s Jersey Dairy, has died

There are currently two full time sergeants, Sgt. Naomi Watson and Sgt. Josh Knapp. However, the department has been without qualified supervision three nights a week, including most nights and weekends, which presented a need for an additional supervisor, the chief said.

With the addition of the new sergeant, a supervisor will be available seven days per week, from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. and can be accessed accordingly. After the new sergeant is hired, the sergeants will begin a rotation in which they take turns working all shifts.

Related: Yellow Springs Brewery capitalizes on new ABV laws with latest release

The application process will consist of testing, an interview with a board compromised of Chief Hale and sergeants Knapp and Watson, where they will discuss an applicant’s competence and work ethics. The review board will present its recommendation to Bates, who will make the final decision.

Upon being hired, the new sergeant will be under a one-year probationary period, during which time the person could be demoted back to patrol if the position isn’t a good fit.

“We’re hoping to have the decision made by mid-January but are willing to let it take as much time as it needs,” Bates said.

CASEY LAUGHTER

About the Author