2009-05-05
07:25:19
International Falls could be looking at different ways of policing its community in the future
The move comes after its deputy chief, Darryl Waller agreed to an early retirement package from the city. It end a 30-year policing career for the current acting chief and comes just days after Chief Chris Raboin retired after more than 10 years as the city's top cop, taking a similar early retirement package.
Mayor Shawn Mason says with the retirements of both its chief and now its deputy chief, the city will explore potential policing options.
"Should we remain as the International Falls Police Department? Should we find ways to collaborate with the Koochiching County Law Enforcement Operations? Those questions remain unanswered at this time," says Mason. "It is our responsibility to do some research, and discussion with the county board and discussions with the public."
Mason says if the city moves to consolidating services, residents would have the final say in a referendum. Meantime, the city will proceed with the search for a new chief. Mason says they'll ask its civil service commission to initiated that search,
"We are governed by civil service commission rules and regulations. We're going to be advertising for a police chief test that people can take if they're interested in the job of police chief."
Under regulations, a test has to be performed within 40 days of the chief retiring.
