The city has hired five new officers. They are replacing other officers who’ve either retired or left, and represent about one-fifth department’s authorized size.
Chief Jerel Jones said the recruitment and retention of officers remains a challenge for all departments. When recruiting, he promotes Macomb as a small town and a good place to live.
“This is, as it has been for me and my family, a very peaceful place to raise children, to raise a family, and to be able to safely move around and navigate throughout our town,” he said.
The chief also hopes his passion for the profession comes through when recruiting.
“At the end of the day, I’m on fire for the job when it comes to our department, when it comes to our organization,” he said.
Jones comes from a law enforcement family. His grandfather, mother, step-father, several uncles, and several cousins have all either served or currently serve in the field.
Jones said all of Macomb’s new officers have completed their basic law enforcement academy training. They’re now going through the department’s field training process.
City Clerk Melanie Falk swore in four of the officers during this week’s city council meeting, and the other will soon be sworn in.
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