New recruitment strategy helps Chillicothe Police Dept. to expand
CHILLICOTHE— A new officer at the Chillicothe Police Department recently hit the streets, but she has already been on the city payroll for some time now as part of a new recruitment tactic at the department.
To gain more officers the police department has been recruiting directly from different academies in the area as well as recruiting individuals before they enter. During this recruitment, cadets are offered a sign-on bonus, payment during the academy, and a job once they graduate.
Police Chief Ron Meyers said this strategy has helped the department bring in new, fresh, officers. It also shows that the agency cares about its officers, building a connection with them before they are even on the street. Those who take part in this recruitment are required to work for the Chillicothe department for at least two years. Meyers said the program is mutually beneficial and will continue to help the community find quality officers.
One of the newest officers, Tatyana Myers recently graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy’s Basic Peace Officer School, one of the several academies the department has sent trainees. She quickly was able to use her schooling as she started patrolling the streets of Chillicothe.
Myers grew up in Chillicothe and has always had a protective nature to her. She said she loves the community and how connected it feels and decided that the best way to give back would be to help and protect others. She originally worked at the jail for over a year before deciding to become an officer. This change came because Myers felt she could do a lot of good helping people before they ended up in jail.
Chief Meyers said her thinks it is great that Myers grew up in the area and is and knows the community. This can help her better connect with citizens she interreacts with.
“It is good to have hometown people,” said Meyers.
Her training at the academy helped to give her a better look at what an officer’s job entailed. Myers said she had a blast during training and was able to gain confidence while there. She said she is grateful to the department for sending her and allowing her to learn.
As an officer, Myers said she hopes to be someone people can turn to when they need help. She is willing to help everyone and find answers to any questions they may have.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at Sreeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_reeves_