Warren Police Officer Number Increases by 5 Hires | News, sports, jobs

Staff Photos / Chris McBride Officer Jacob McAlister (left) is sworn in by Warren Safety / Service Director Eddie Colbert (right) during a ceremony Monday in the City of Warren Council Chambers. He was among five new officers who took the oath.

WARREN — Five new officers joined the ranks of the Warren Police Department Monday morning during a swearing-in ceremony in the City Council Chamber.

The ceremony took place about eight hours after the third murder of the year was recorded in a city bar.

Eddie Colbert, director of safety and service, presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office to the new officers.

He told the crowd that the mayor’s office is committed to safety and acknowledged that police and fire departments are among the city’s largest budget expenses.

He also noted that 50% of the funds the city received from the CARES Act (federal coronavirus pandemic funds) and American Rescue Plan stimulus funds were used for new officers and new equipment, which he said case will be “Bringing the department into the 21st century.”

Warren Mayor Doug Franklin said he did “full faith” with the officers.

“I believe they will excel in their new roles and make great contributions to the safety and well-being of our community.” Franklin said.

Police Chief Eric Merkel said the department has added 17 officers since October, with the latest five bringing the department’s total to 64.

Merkel said the target was 70 police officers.

“It’s a testament to what we’ve done and achieved here and people actually want to come and work in the police force.” said Merkel.

Merkel said to the new officers: “My recommendation to you is to make this a career and a profession and not just a job. We have seen some people make this their career but fall by the wayside over the years for various reasons. So continually growing, constantly learning, dealing with the law, continuing to educate yourself on all of that, that’s a lifelong task here.”

To reach her target number, Merkel said the ministry is opening its national testing network, which potential officials could use to take their tests online.

Merkel said to the new officers: “You are joining, in my opinion, one of the best police departments in the country and have the best equipment and the best training.”

Three officers are lateral transfers from other departments, while two of the officers sworn in on Monday come from the police academy.