Burns Harbor officials accept chief's recommendation to keep probationary officer in field training

Burns Harbor town officials accepted the police chief's recommendation that a probationary police officer remain in field training rather than be released to solo patrol.

The town's police chief told the board, "Do I feel comfortable letting him releasing him from field training and have him work the road by himself? Not at this time." The chief described multiple training efforts involving five experienced officers and said he did not feel the officer was ready for independent duty.

The decision came after discussion among commissioners and staff about training progress and the legal steps the town must take. A town staff member noted that if no action is taken before the officer reaches a one-year employment mark, the officer will become a full-time permanent employee; the transcript records the one-year milestone as occurring in August and lists a pension-related date of Sept. 11. Secretary Watkins prepared a letter the board must provide under Indiana code, and officials discussed who should sign that letter when an absent member is unavailable to do so.

A motion was made to act on the recommendation; a second was recorded. The transcript records roll-call affirmative votes from Commissioner McGraw, Commissioner Groves, Commissioner Graves and Commissioner Bozak. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned.

Officials thanked the officer for his service during the meeting. The transcript identifies the officer as Officer Grant Valter and records repeated concern from the chief and others that public safety and officer readiness were the board's paramount considerations.