By V. Hugh Lewis II, publisher
Note: The videos for this meeting are linked at the end of this section of the story.
In a 4-1 decision, Jefferson City Council voted to make Interim Police Chief Jason Carroll the permanent Police Chief.
“It’s a great honor and humbling experience,” said Carroll, “to be be selected to serve the residents of the City of Jefferson as their next police chief. My door is always open to discuss issues and to see how the police department cat better serve the community.”
Ward 2 Alderwoman Tyranni Braddock was the sole objection to the hire, but based her “no” vote “on the grounds that we have not done [any] interviews.”
Ward 2 Alderman candidate Robin Moore opened the meeting during public comment posing the question “I just wanted to see if you have conducted any interviews?”
“We can’t discuss it at this time,” said Mayor Pro Tem Victor Perot.
“You can if it’s on the agenda,” replied Moore.
“We have not,” Perot said.
“I’m just wondering why. I’m sure Jason is a nice guy and very competent,” said Moore. “Your job as our representatives is to do the best you can for our city,” said Moore. “And protection of the citizens is serious business, and I just looked at the City Ordinance, under Law Enforcement ‘The city council shall interview all applicants for the position of chief of police. After consideration of the qualifications of each candidate, the city council shall hire the most qualified person to fill the position without regard to race, sex, religion, religious belief, or natural origin.’
“So this is something I’d like you all to to consider when you go into deliberations,” Moore continued. “Don’t just follow the leader. If you’ve got some qualified applicants lets hear from them – and Jason too. Don’t just assume he’s doing everything that needs to be done. This is what you’re supposed to do. It’s part of City Ordinance. I just don’t see how you can do this without following the ordinance. You can’t just turn it over to one person to decide. That’s lazy. But we need to know that you’re doing your job on this matter.”
Council deliberated in Executive Session for approximately 45 minutes before returning to Regular Session and voting to make Carroll the Chief.
After the meeting Perot said Carroll will be paid at the same salary former Chief Gary Amburn was receiving.
At last update to the Herald, 12 applications had been received by the city for the police chief position. The Herald has copies of those applications, with appropriate information redacted.
Racial Profiling Report
Council also accepted (4-1) the Police Departments 2019 Racial Profiling Report. Ward 1 Alderman Jim Finstrom asked why the gender counts didn’t equal the number of stops and Carroll was unsure, saying the report was auto generated by CopSync, the software the police department uses, but he’d ask. The count was off by 5. Braddock voted against accepting the report because of the discrepancy.
The details of the report are in the notice of this meeting, here.