By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com reporter
MOUNT VERNON — Sgt. Roger Monroe took the oath of office this morning after being formally recognized as the city’s new Chief of Police. Mayor Richard Mavis administered the oath, and Capt. George Hartz presented Monroe the chief’s badge.
Mavis said the community has the perception that the Mount Vernon Police Department is in disarray and has made mistakes. “It’s important at this point that we gain leadership, and that the community perceives it will be strong leadership,” he said. “We look forward to a long, productive reign of Roger as police chief.”
Over the last several weeks, Mavis and Safety-service director Dave Glass held a series of meetings with Monroe to get to know him better, review his personnel file and discuss issues such as policies and procedures, relationships with county departments, his philosophy of being chief, high-speed chases and the department’s $2.5 million budget. “Those discussions were good. I considered those meetings a benefit,” said Mavis.
“The meetings were very productive meetings and will move the department forward. I’m ready to move forward and have a smooth-working department,” said Monroe, adding that his first priority is the image of the department. “I want the community to look at [the department] as a professional entity, well organized and very professional.
“The officers are outstanding,” he continued. “Without them I wouldn’t even attempt that goal. I’ve always thought that the officers … held their heads up and did their job.” He said he wants the public to respect the department and the department to respect the public.
Monroe’s second priority as chief is to review and update policies and procedures. “We have to have a stable guideline to work within,” he said.
His third focus is maintaining a high level of morale in the department and making sure the officers have the proper equipment and receive proper training.
The meetings between Mavis, Glass and Monroe resulted in several “points of understanding” that Mavis said will provide Monroe guidance as he begins his tenure as police chief. Those points include:
*Reviewing and updating policies and procedures within six months
*Reviewing and updating the department’s records retention policy within 12 months
*Giving an opinion on charging violators under state code rather than city code so the administration can properly address the 2015 jail contract
*An immediate assessment of how the space in the Plaza Building, including the space vacated by the MVPD dispatchers, is being used
*Providing within six months a structure for physical standards for police officers
*Sharing training priorities during budget meetings in October
*Attending staff and update meetings
*Informing the administration of unusual or special events with the MVPD
*Consistent use of annual sick days
Monroe, a 25-year veteran of the MVPD, fills a position that has been vacant since July 2013 when former chief Mike Merrilees was placed on administrative leave. Merrilees officially retired in December. Hartz has served as interim chief since July 2013.
“Capt. Hartz served well during that time,” said Mavis. “After talking with Roger and George, I believe there will be a smooth transition.”
Monroe’s appointment will take effect 12:01 a.m. on Monday; it will not be final until Monroe serves a 120-day probationary period.
Roger Monroe, left, at Friday morning’s news conference where he was sworn in as MVPD chief with Mayor Richard Mavis – KnoxPages.com photo by Rebecca Cook, ENV Photography
