WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The start date for the Centreville Police Department has been delayed indefinitely until a chief is hired.
The agency was supposed to begin today after deciding to not renew its contract with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The sheriff’s office had provided police coverage for the municipality for more than 20 years, but village officials believe having a community police department will be less expensive and offer more flexibility in terms of the hours its patrol officers are on duty.
A committee has been interviewing candidates for the chief’s position; the force will also feature two part-time patrol officers.
Committee chairman Dennis Allen said interviews were ongoing as recently as Feb. 6. He said candidates are being judged carefully and, as a result, the process is taking more time than anticipated.
