Some Residents Protest Hiring Of Additional Police Officers

Nearly 50 people have signed a petition protesting plans to hire two more full-time city police officers.

The petition was submitted to the City Council last week, in response to a decision to restructure the community’s police force. It currently relies on two full-time officers and five part-time positions to offer 24-hour protection for the 1,500 residents.

The petition charges departmental operations need to be reviewed made before any hirings take place.

Mayor Sandra Cranor said the petition’s reference to hiring “additional” officers was incorrect. The two fulltime positions will replace four part-time officers at little or no extra expense, she said.

Police Chief Matt Parsons said four of the part-timers live outside a 15-minute response-time radius of Glenns Ferry and two reside outside Elmore County.

“These officers have no personal obligation to the community; they don’t have to live or shop here, and I disagree with that,” he said.

Councilman Larry Stevenson argued the city should look into negotiating with the county for a resident deputy.

Cranor reminded the council that hiring the officers has been voted on and approved, and the city is advertising for applicants.