Police Department Change Continues

The Express-Times has an article today on the changing face of the Nazareth Police Department, specifically noting the loss of 2 full-time and 3 part-time officers since Chief Sinclair took over (read it here).

With a force of 15, the five departures equal a third of the officers, more than one would expect under normal circumstances, but not completely unexpected with a change in Chief.

Then you compound a new chief with the following:

Last spring and summer there were also concerns about morale in the department. Complaints arose regarding coverage most likely the result of being understaffed (the chief position was not filled and Det. Koch was interim chief, but current staff had to cover existing needs. There was also an officer out due to military service and one on disability as I recall).

It was also learned that none of the current Borough Police officers were going to be the next Chief because none were eligible based on the applicant requirements set by Council.

The new borough building and police station transition began behind closed doors leaving the public unaware of the plans. Similarly, the police had limited input resulting in their being split on two floors instead of contained on one.

Prior to Chief Sinclair, the job was offered to another individual from NJ, who declined. Sinclair from Philadelphia accepted the position. He then hired Tom Trachta, a veteran officer from New York, to be Corporal. As I recall one of his primary responsibilities early on is revising/updating policies and procedures.

I can see this from both viewpoints. The officers have gone through a very difficult work situation over the past several years and have been snubbed not once, but twice in opportunities for promotion. Further, the environment has changed significantly from policies to uniforms to staff.

On the other hand, Sinclair is doing what he was charged to do by Council, reinvigorate our department. For Sinclair, people leaving is an opportunity for him to hire new officers who will only know his preferred way of doing things, instead of retraining people internally where he could get more resistance. Sinclair didn't set the requirements for Chief, he wasn't here during the transition, and I can understand his not hiring an insider for the recent job because he needs someone he can trust and who he believes has his same vision for the force.

Change is always a tough time and no one is going to be entirely happy. Hopefully, those who stay are committed to our community and get the support they deserve for doing a very difficult job. If so, in the end we will all be better off.