When WMOK spoke with Chief Masse in April he told us he’s anxious to put two new officers on the Metropolis streets however delays at the academy have made that a challenge. When we spoke at that time a change was underway involving the Police and Fire Commission which would allow Chief Masse to offer an incentive to new hires who are already certified and working for another agency. Chief Harry Masse told WMOK during that interview that the Police department currently has 12 officers and as we get into summer he hopes to have that number up to 14.
A delay in the new hires was due to COVID-19, it didn’t result from any problems with the administration. Chief Masse stated his main problem was that the academies were closed for so long and reopened with only limited capacity.
Chief Masse was able to release the available positions in early June and advised WMOK in our June Coffee Break that the Fire and Police Commission would be reviewing applications during the week of July 5th.
When Chief Masse joined us in late July he told WMOK that there are four local candidates who have tested and passed and they are currently awaiting slots in the academy. Masse is excited about the candidates and advised WMOK that they all appear to have a public service heart and appear to be pursuing the positions for all of the right reasons.
Masse told WMOK that the Certified Police Officers list didn’t result in as many applicants as they had hoped but that they do have one candidate from those applications who is currently in the review and investigation process which takes place before hiring.
The Certified Police Officer search does remain active by the Metropolis Police Department as that would get officers onto the streets far more expeditiously than hiring in at entry level.
WMOK – Metropolis
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