Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley updates the City Council on the police force’s staffing status during the Aug. 7 council meeting.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – The Michigan State Police are providing personnel support in the short-term following the death of Police Cpl. Mohamed Said, Police Chief Robert Kennaley said during the Aug. 7 City Council meeting.
The chief said the department is actively trying to hire additional police officers, and in addition to the salary increase provided by the council, the word needs to get out there that Melvindale PD is a competitive agency.
Kennaley said the state has exhausted its funding to allow police departments to offer candidates scholarships to attend a police academy, so, for now, that incentive is not available.
“We need the word of mouth that we are hiring, and that we are at a competitive wage, and we need to hire,” he said.
Kennaley said that in addition to posting on social media, he has been going to police academies and job fairs to look for new recruits.
During the council meeting, Kennaley said the Michigan State Police used one of its helicopters to pursue a suspect who ran from one of the troopers.
“Normally, we wouldn’t have a helicopter, but the State Police have that power, so that’s why it’s flying overhead right now,” he said.
Kennaley said the MSP is also helping support Melvindale PD with staffing to allow its officers to have time to grieve.