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New Chief Stressing Technology, Community

Patrolman Robb Bell will become Hamilton's Police Chief on July 1.
Patrolman Robb Bell will become Hamilton's Police Chief on July 1.

Patrolman Robb Bell is a native of Hamilton who graduated from Hamilton High School.  He joined his hometown police department in Sept. 2005 after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and with several other local law enforcement agencies.

After 6 ½ years on the force, Bell is in line for a big promotion.  He will take over as Police Chief on July 1, 2012.

Bell will replace Walt Sellens, who is retiring after 35-years with the department.  Sellens served as a patrolman and a sergeant before becoming chief in 1986.

Bell says one of his goals as chief is to better utilize technology within the department.

“(I want to) get a website started where people can make comments, anonymously, to see what is going on so we can get out information,” says Bell, “through Twitter or Facebook or something like that.”

Bell says as chief, he will also continue efforts to get officers out into the community.  He says the goal is to make sure residents know them and feel comfortable with them.

Bell even mentioned getting involved in kickball games with local children to get used to being around members of the police department.

Sellens says he is leaving Hamilton in good hands with all of the members of the department and with Bell as Chief.  He has been working with Bell for several weeks to allow for a smooth transition.

The Hamilton Police Department currently has five members.  Bell says his current position will remain vacant once his promotion takes effect.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.