New Bourbon police chief, Mike Pennock, has made many changes over the past seven weeks that have resulted in a retooling and revamping of the department.
Pennock has tried to raise awareness of smaller issues in Bourbon, scattered trash and tall grass, while also tackling a big issue like the city park. He has been given permission by the Board of Aldermen to make changes to the department building.
He has also brought aboard two new part-time officers and one full-time officer.
Pennock speaks highly of his newer staff.
“They’re great. Some of them are fresh out of the academy and they don’t have a set notion how things should be done,” said Pennock. “They’re learning a lot from myself, Lt. Billie Dawson and Sgt. Scott Zweton.”
“It’s a lot to take on, but they’re fine officers and very polite.”
Two of the new hires are Jonathan Stack and James “Bobby” Jones.
Stack, 21, Sullivan, was sworn in on May 13. He comes from the Mineral Area Law Enforcement Academy and is a part-timer.
“He’s a nice, polite police officer,” said Pennock. “He’s learning quickly and is just a very professional individual.”
Jones, 21, Steelville, is a full-time officer. He was sworn in on Apr. 26 and, like Stack, is right out of the academy. He trained and studied at the Law Enforcement Training Institute in Columbia.
Pennock said that Stack and Jones are professional officers who like doing police work.
Two other part-time officers, Tony Benson and Brandon Tomlinson, are still onboard.
Pennock said that Benson is dedicated to his job. “He’s very well-educated and a seasoned officer. He likes working with the public.”
Tomlinson has been with the department for over two years. “He’s got a lot of irons in the fire,” said Pennock. “He’s in ambulance, fire…numerous certificates. He’s a good officer.”
Pennock is trying to change the image of the department and instill more trust.
“My issue is that people don’t trust the police department,” said Pennock. “I’m here to change that. If anyone has questions or concerns, they don’t need to hesitate to call me.”
And he is demanding that officers communicate better with the public.
“I will not tolerate my officers not treating people in a decent manner,” he said, adding that officers have to be courteous.
“We’re not just going out there and writing tickets because we can,” he said. “We’re being more helpful and responding to calls quickly.”
The chief believes improvement has already started.
“The town is looking a lot better,” he said. “The public is cooperating with the grass, but we’re still having trouble with trash.”
Pennock wants the department to have a bigger and more active role in the Fall Festival this year.
“We want more community involvement,” he said.
Pennock is also looking for input on a get-together with music and food where residents can meet and talk to officers.