Gov't

City Council Lifts Restrictions on Volunteer Police Officers

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By Dave Freneaux

The Central Police Department consists of Chief Browning and five part time volunteers.  These volunteers are citizens who have law enforcement training and certifications which have prepared them to act in this capacity.  Voulnteers typically averge 30 hours per month riding patrols and assisting with security at functions in Central.  Until now, Central's ordinances required that these volunteers be Central citizens.  At Tuesday night's Council meeting the Council approved eliminating this restriction.  The request was initiated by Chief Browning who explains that he needs to go beyond Central's borders to find enough qualified volunteers to add another five to the group.  He further explained that there are several specific persons living outside of Central who are interested and who bring specific skills to the position which are needed.