SOUTHWICK – The Select Board met with Chief Kevin Bishop and Lt. Robert Landis on Tuesday night to discuss the department’s continuous openings due to retirements and promotions.
Bishop informed the Select Board that due to Landis being promoted from Det. Sgt to Lieutenant, he’s decided to assign Sgt. Tom Krutka to Detective Sargent. Bishop indicated that Landis made strong connections while serving in the Detective Bureau and he believes Krutka can fill the vacant role due to his past experience.
“Sgt. Krutka made a lot of those same contacts because of his dealing as a K-9 officer,” said Bishop. “He’s gotten an education into drug investigation, which is going to be a very big plus for him.”
Chief Kevin Bishop and Lt. Robert Landis discussed positions in the department with the Select Board on Tuesday. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Bishop and Landis expressed to the Select Board that they’re focused on expanding the Detective Bureau in the years to come. Due to the types of crimes he has seen, Landis knows that the expansion of the detective department is necessary.
“It’s almost impossible for one guy to do it alone,” said Landis.
Although the Det. Sgt. has to oversee investigations, crime scenes, and have a constant relationship with the District Attorney, there’s also the growing technology that criminals use on a daily basis in order to commit crimes.
“You’ve seen the increased crimes and what we’re dealing with,” said Bishop. “It’s a lengthy investigation.”
The new assignment of Krutka opens up a Sgt. position, a position which would be subject to a one-year probation period if it’s needed. The Southwick Police Department will be looking for applicants internally. Interested officers must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and have at least five years of experience as a full-time police officer. The job description prefers that candidates have supervisory experience as a police officer.
The Select Board then made a motion to approve the job description for the open Sergeant’s position. The position will be posted on Wednesday and will be open for any interested internal candidates to apply until July 27 by 4 p.m.
According to Bishop, there are four or five officers that meet the requirements for the Sergeant position, but unaware at this time of who will apply.
