Brookfield – In a pivotal decision made during a recent meeting, the Brookfield Select Board voted to approve the proposal presented by Chief of Police Michael Blanchard, aimed at diversifying the pool of potential police officer candidates. The approval allows the police department to offer to send a candidate to the police academy, a move seen as vital in addressing ongoing staffing challenges. This decision comes at a time when the town is facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining trained personnel, not only in the police department but also in the highway department. The scarcity of qualified personnel in these critical areas has become a shared concern for the town’s leadership.
The meeting began with Chief Michael Blanchard expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present his proposal to the board once again. He reiterated the pressing need for additional hiring options due to the struggles in recruiting individuals with prior law enforcement training in recent months. The Chief emphasized that by providing this last-resort option, it would significantly expand the applicant pool and allow the department to find the best fit for the Brookfield community
The financial aspect of the proposal was revisited. Chief Blanchard noted that while he believed the police department’s budget could cover the estimated $3,500 cost to send a candidate to the police academy, additionally , during the academy training period, the town would be responsible for paying the trainee officer’s salary, estimated to be around $2,000 the Chief requested contingency permission from the board to spend additional funds should the department fall short due to unforeseen circumstances.
During the discussion, a notable incident occurred. While Select Board member Beth Coughlin was in the middle of making a motion, Mr. Holdcraft, also known as the “yellow sign guy,” raised an inappropriate “point of order.” It became clear that the point of order was not aimed at highlighting a procedural error but rather expressing his opinion on the matter at hand.
Ms. Coughlin, well-versed in meeting procedures, advised Mr. Holdcraft of this misuse of the point of order. Mr. Holdcraft stated that he wanted his opinion to be heard. In response, Mr. Ragan, the Select Board Chair, called for order and expressed his intent to allow Select Board member Coughlin to finish her motion before further discussion or comments from the public.
After this incident, the Brookfield Select Board continued with its deliberations, ultimately voting in favor of Chief Michael Blanchard’s proposal, recognizing the critical importance of diversifying recruitment strategies in light of the ongoing staffing challenges.
With the Select Board’s unanimous decision and the added provision for contingency funding, Brookfield is poised to implement this innovative approach to recruitment, which has already shown promise in the town’s past experiences. Previous candidates who underwent police academy training under similar arrangements remained with the department for extended periods, with officers serving for durations of 3 to 4 years.
Currently, the Brookfield Police Department still has officers who benefited from this recruitment approach. This continued success reaffirms Brookfield’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents by investing in its police department and addressing the workforce challenges faced by the town.
Later, after the formal discussion, this reporter, known for a sense of humor, questioned the Chief if he had considered placing a “help wanted” sign in the police station window, humorously noting that office supply stores like Staples offer such signs for as little as $10. The Chief, along with others in the room, shared a laugh at the clever jest, showcasing the community’s ability to find humor even in serious discussions.
In an upcoming spin-off story, we will delve into the correct use of Robert’s Rules of Order and the proper use of points of order in town meetings, shedding light on the importance of maintaining decorum and adherence to procedural guidelines in public meetings and hearings.