Mail Tribune News - Gold Hill opens hunt to hire new police chief

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Gold Hill opens hunt to hire new police chief GOLD HILL -- The City Council is once again searching for applicants to fill a police chief vacancy. Council members held a special meeting Monday to talk about the city's need for policing. The council hopes to have a police chief hired within six to 12 months, said Mayor Tim Roddam. "We've had people calling the city and expressing a desire to serve as interim chief, people who are retired officers," Roddam said. "I find that promising." Roddam plans to consult with chiefs of police from around Southern Oregon during the hiring process. Once city leaders find a chief, they can hire the 1.5 additional officers paid for by a federal COPS grant, Roddam said. The Department of Justice has awarded Gold Hill the money, but is holding the funds until the town has a police staff. Until Gold Hill hires a chief, the city will contract with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for police coverage. The city council continues to wait for a contract proposal outlining costs and amount of coverage from Jackson County Sheriff Bob Kennedy. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA