Scottville commission to consider full time patrolling police chief position.

Scottville commission to consider full time patrolling police chief position.

SCOTTVILLE — The City Commission will consider re-structuring its police department when it meets today in regular session. The city’s public safety committee has recommended that the police chief position again be a full-time position that includes patrolling. Since 2013, the city’s police chief has been a part-time administrative position, supported by two full time police officers and also part-time officers.

The proposed change by the public safety committee is asking for a full time chief/patrol officer, and a full time officer, along with a part-time code enforcement employee (non-police officer) who would also perform administrative duties for the police department. The police budget would also include some funds for part-time officers as well.

The city would also continue to work with Mason County Central Schools in establishing more police presence in the schools. “We will continue to pursue options to provide additional support to Mason County Central Schools, although there may be some modifications from the original school resource officer proposal based on ongoing discussions with MCC and others,” Magaluk said.

City Manager Courtney Magaluk said the change would work within the existing budget. The city would first post the full time chief position internally offering it to Chief Don Riley or any of the other police department personnel before posting it externally.

Scottville Police Chief Don Riley

After the retirement of full time Chief Larry Nichols in July 2011, the city has been without a full time chief. Following Nichols’ retirement, the city entered into an administrative agreement with the City of Ludington where its police chief and captain oversaw the administrative duties of the Scottville Police Department.

In July 2013, Scottville cancelled its agreement with Ludington and hired a part-time chief, Don Riley, who was a retired police officer from the east side of the state. 

Since May 2019, Scottville has only had one full time police officer, who has been supported by part-time officers. Several other local police agencies have also had reduced staff with few candidates applying.

Both the personnel and finance committees are also recommending the change, according to Magaluk.

City Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at city hall, 105 N. Main St.

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