OLDHAM COUNTY POLICE RETURN TO AUTHORIZED STAFFING LEVEL 

For nearly the past year, the Oldham County Police Department (OCPD) has been operating below their authorized staffing level of 32 sworn officers.  The understaffing came as a result of two officers leaving the department in pursuit of careers elsewhere and the resignation of a K-9 officer after he was charged with a misdemeanor narcotics offense.

That left some gaps in the coverage normally provided by the OCPD, gaps that were widened even further with duty-related injuries to two other officers which had them off for a total of five months between them.  Over a seven month period, 43 applications for new officers were processed before the three positions were filled.

In July of 2007, Officer Justin Flynn was hired on a lateral process and is currently assigned to the 2^nd Shift.  On February 11, 2008, two more lateral officers were chosen after a lengthy process.  On that date Officer Gerald Giles and Officer Chris Morris were sworn in by Oldham County Judge Executive Duane Murner.  Both officers will be assigned to the 2^nd Shift.

“It has been a long process,” stated OCPD Chief Michael Griffin, “but we believe our three recent new hires are the type of officers who will fit in well with our department and maintain the high standards that have long been a staple of this agency.”

Pictured above at the swearing-in ceremony for two new OCPD officers are (l to r) Chief Michael Griffin, Officer Gerald Giles, Officer Chris Morris, County Judge Executive Duane Murner and 2^nd Shift Supervisor, Sergeant Larry Congleton.