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Police Department Could Become A Department
Of One
by Misty DeLashmutt
The Burwell Police Department could soon become a department of one.
Police officer Charity Brown has failed to meet the minimum requirements for admission into the Nebraska Law Enforcement Academy in Grand Island.
Charity Brown, 24, of Holdrege, NE., was hired as a police officer on December 1, 2006, on a six month probationary period during which she was to complete the certification course at the academy.
Brown was scheduled to begin her fourteen week certification course at the academy in Grand Island on Jan 7, 2007. Testing problems reportedly hindered Brown's admission to the training academy, said sources.
Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center Director William Muldoon stated on Monday, May 14, "Ms. Brown failed to meet the minimum requirements for admission to the law enforcement academy. Applicants for law enforcement positions in rural areas are often hired on a provisional application," explained Director Muldoon, "which means the applicant must attend the law enforcement academy within one year to receive certification. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't work out."
According to state statute, applicants must meet the minimum Title 79, Chapter 8 Rules and Regulations for Admission.
To gain admission to the law enforcement academy, a applicant must be 21, a citizen of the United States, have a high school diploma or GED, hold a Nebraska's drivers license and pass the Test of Adult Basic Education. Completion of a thorough background investigation and a physician's examination are also required.
Applicants failing the TABE test may retake a different version of the test as soon as they elect, however, 90 days must elapse between the taking of the same version of the test unless permitted upon petition to the Council. The costs of the TABE testing process will be charged to the applicant or the hiring agency. (Title 79, Chapter 8, 006.03).
According to the November 14, 2006 city council proceedings, Ms. Brown was hired on a six month probationary period with a starting wage of $1900.00 per month and with completion of successful training, she was scheduled to receive a $100.00 raise. The signing of a three year contract was included as a provision.
When asked about Brown's current employment status with the police department, Chief of Police Ben Hughes stated, "I have been instructed by the Mayor and a city council official not to say anything about the subject."
Mayor Rebecca Sondag refused comment concerning Officer Brown and would not confirm or deny if Brown's employment with the City of Burwell had been terminated due to her failure to gain admission to the academy.
Ms. Brown could not be reached for comment.