The New Hampton Police Department (NHPD) has been down one peace officer for about four months.
The position opened in May when an officer-in-training resigned, shortly after Chief Tim Pederson took over the department. NHPD has been looking for a replacement since, preferably an already-certified officer, though Pederson says they’re willing to put a candidate through the academy.
In early September, it was brought to the attention of the New Hampton City Council that citizens had been posting items of suspicious activity on social media, but not contacting the police department.
Pederson says that information can be very helpful to his department, especially while it’s less than full staff. But, it also allows NHPD to determine the credibility of alleged incidents.
He also encourages citizens to share security camera footage anytime illegal activity is suspected.
