Hammond board approves probationary police appointments, notes recent resignation

The Hammond City board approved a slate of probationary police appointments submitted by Chief William Short and recorded an earlier appointment and a recent resignation.

Correspondence read into the record identified the request from William Short, identified in the correspondence as chief of police, seeking approval of probationary appointments effective Dec. 17, 2025 for Alberto Batista, Joshua Bassera, Brianna Davis, Azani Gonzales, Darvette Ham, Karen Jimenez, Yesenia Martinez, Giovanna Giovanni Valley and Alexis Vasquez. The record also notes that Stanley Thompson Jr. was appointed effective Dec. 10, 2025, and that Officer Bridal O'Neil resigned effective close of business on Dec. 2, 2025.

A board member said, "I recommend Chief Short's request," and the chair expressed concurrence. The transcript records the recommendation and concurrence but does not show a roll-call vote or individual recorded votes.

Next steps: Personnel actions will be processed by the police department per city hiring and onboarding procedures.