July 19, 2024 |
Photo – Dispatch logo – Bigfoot99 file photo
After a previous job applicant got away, the Saratoga town council has voted to hire a new police dispatcher.
The Saratoga Police Department, like law enforcement agencies around the country, is struggling to maintain a full-staffed emergency dispatch center.
During the June 18th Saratoga town council meeting, Police Chief Mike Morris said he had a qualified person ready to become a dispatcher. Chief Morris asked for permission to hire the applicant.
The council voted to allow Chief Morris to hire the dispatcher once she finished her mandatory background checks.
Fast forward to Tuesday’s Saratoga town council meeting. Chief Morris said the person he was looking to hire chose to take a different position for higher pay.
Chief Morris said he already found someone to fill the empty dispatcher position: Saratoga Police Lieutenant John Moore’s daughter, Grace. The police chief asked for permission to hire the new applicant.
To prevent a conflict of interest, Chief Morris said Lt. Moore will not work directly over his daughter. Instead, Saratoga Dispatch Supervisor Alex Munson will oversee the new hire.
Councilwoman Kathy Beck asked if the younger Moore had passed all her required checks and evaluations. Chief Morris said he is waiting for her fingerprint check to return.
Councilwoman Beck moved to hire Grace Moore as a full-time police dispatcher pending the results of her fingerprint check. The motion was seconded and passed.
