Tipton police report rising call volume, ongoing hiring push and vehicle deliveries

Chief Keith Maddox told the board the police department’s call volume and traffic stops are up substantially this month, and he described active efforts to fill vacancies.

Maddox said the department has 18 pre-applications in the current hiring cycle, including two laterals; he expects physical fitness and written testing on July 11 and said interviews and background checks will follow for successful candidates. "We have 18 pre-applications. I think that's more than we normally get," Maddox said, while noting that only two lateral candidates appeared likely to be pursued.

He reported two of six promised patrol vehicles have arrived fully equipped and were placed into the fleet, and said the remaining four vehicles should arrive and be retrofitted over the next four to six weeks. Maddox also raised retention concerns and noted one recently resigned officer has agreed to return part-time; he asked the board to consider creative retention measures and possible salary-ordinance adjustments.

Facility issues were raised: both fire and police representatives recommended a deep clean of the new construction because of lingering dust and storage constraints in the building. Maddox said training continuity is a concern given short staffing but highlighted a recent voluntary shift cover that allowed an officer to attend evidence-custodian training.

What happens next: The department will conduct physical testing for applicants on July 11, proceed with interviews and background checks for passing candidates, monitor vehicle deliveries and discuss potential salary-ordinance changes to improve recruitment and retention.