If for no other reason, retaining Police Chief Jeff Miller on an
interim basis after he retires is logical because it comes at a
time of monumental transition in local law enforcement, with a new
sheriff taking office in January and the prospect of consolidation
in the wings.
If for no other reason, retaining Police Chief Jeff Miller on an interim basis after he retires is logical because it comes at a time of monumental transition in local law enforcement, with a new sheriff taking office in January and the prospect of consolidation in the wings.
Miller recently announced his retirement from the Hollister Police Department. After seven years on the job, he will officially retire Dec. 29 but will stay on as interim chief under a temporary contract through June.
His departure comes during a budget crisis that has left the police force and other departments strapped for resources and facing further, structural cuts – in other words, to pay and jobs. His official retirement also is taking place days before a new sheriff, Darren Thompson, is set to take office.
Both of those transitions, meanwhile, are occurring under a cloud of discussion regarding the possibility of consolidation between the city police department and county sheriff’s office. We’re encouraged by the city and county’s progress in studying the feasibility of joining the two departments, or having the city contract with the county, because it makes sense financially and in bringing more consistency to the tenor of law enforcement throughout San Benito County.
Keeping Miller on board keeps the city right on pace toward the likelihood of easing into a consolidation arrangement.
The short-term savings will help some – contracting with Miller cuts about $40,000 this fiscal year – but staying on track toward consolidation of law enforcement agencies offers potential benefits for generations to come.
