Gainesboro Adds Police Officer After Four Month Search

After a nearly four month search, the Gainesboro Police Department has found a new officer.

The hire was approved by the Gainesboro Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday night. Police Chief Mike Head said she was the only qualified candidate from Jackson County who applied.

“She’ll probably start one day next week and hopefully the next go to school,” Head said. “If we can get her in that quick.”

Head said hiring someone local who knows the community and its citizens is always a benefit to the department. He said she would begin riding along with another officer while waiting to be accepted into Walters State Community College’s program.

Head said that is a 10 week program that costs $3,300. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen did ask Chief Head if she was going to be committed to staying with the Gainesboro Police Department.

“She said she would,” Head said. “She even wrote it on her application herself.”

The city pays for any police training required for applicants. Previously, Mayor Lloyd Williams said potential hires have taken advantage of this opportunity and do not return to Gainesboro to serve.

However, Head said Thursday night he feels good about the hire. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen brought up paying the city back at a prorate based on how long she is with the department, if she leaves.