Page 7 - Eric Wilde News Today

A new face will soon take over at the Jefferson City Police Department, but it's not an unfamiliar one.

When the current police chief reported plans of retirement, a search for someone to fill his shoes ensued.

The city administrator is recommending a longtime officer with the Jefferson City Police Department take the helm when its current police chief retires.

The Jefferson City council passed a resolution allowing the city to apply for a grant from the Federal Bureau of Justice to support the Jefferson City Police Department plan to implement a body camera program for officers. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $180,000.

With personnel shortages at about 20 percent in some areas of the Jefferson City Police Department, city officials -- like many employers today -- are running into hurdles when it comes to recruiting and retaining employees, specifically police officers and communications operators.

City and school officials Wednesday acknowledged bias and racism exist in Jefferson City, but highlighted ways the city, police force and schools were working to fix them, as well as ways they could become more diverse and inclusive.

Jefferson City police have been researching what type of police body camera the city should purchase and what it will cost.

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