The Clarkston Police Department got a little thinner recently.
Officer Robert Barnes, a part-time officer since July of 2003 and an unpaid reserve in 2002, recently accepted a full-time job in Keego Harbor. He expressed regret about having to move on.
‘I really like Clarkston. It’s a nice place with nice people. It’s a shame. I wish they could hire another full-time position there,? said Barnes.
‘He did a good job, I’m sorry to see him go. He may be able to keep a part-time status here though,? said Chief Ernest Combs.
Barnes said while performing his duties in Keego Harbor, he hopes to work out a plan with his new police chief to be available for special events or emergencies in Clarkston.
Combs explained keeping Barnes on staff may be possible because the state mandate requires officers to be ‘regularly scheduled.? Due to this vague mandate Barnes may be able to say active in the department if he can be scheduled a minimum of at least one day a month on average.
Combs is looking for a part-time officer to pick up some of the slack that existed even before Barnes? departure, but says he has enough man power to cover shifts until the right candidate comes along. Currently, one candidate is already in the background check stage of the interview process.
‘I’ve been looking since fall and get weekly inquiries. But I’m looking for an officer to fit in this village setting? I’m not looking for someone who simply wants to work here to keep their certification or use this station for a stepping stone,? said Combs.
Barnes did not come to the Clarkston force with the perception of it being a stepping stone but ‘had an opportunity to take a full-time position and did,? opined Combs.
According to Combs, he’s also not looking for someone fresh from a police academy because the department does not have the resources to pay a field training officer.
The Clarkston Police Department currently consists of two full-time officers (including Combs) and four part-time officers.