Police Chief Kenny Hampton continues to recruit more certified officers to his department in an effort to increase his low manpower.
And with a strong working relationship already developed, Hampton welcomes Cpt. Richard Brooks as his assistant chief.
“Brooks and I hit it off from day one,” Hampton said. “We have great communication and are both like-minded. He will primarily be handling investigations while I will continue to oversee everything. But my main focus right now is getting our staff numbers up.”
Hampton said two certified officers will be joining his force, and he was granted approval from the city council to bring on four part-time officers. But he adds that he is still understaffed.
“These new hires allow us to have more experienced officers on the streets,” Hampton said. “It makes for better patrolmen. And when we do start bringing in any uncertified officers, we will have better trainers for them.”
