Chief Sanders looks to make HPD A No. 1
New Humboldt Police Chief Joel Sanders said his duties will be 99 percent administrative to start. He started work for the city on Jan. 11. He will be gone the second through fourth weeks of February and first week of March but will return full-time beginning March 8. Humboldt Independent photo by Kent Thompson.
By KENT THOMPSON
New Humboldt Police Chief Joel Sanders is enough of an idealist to believe that change can come. He is also enough of a pragmatist to realize that it won’t happen overnight.
Sanders said his first job is revising the department’s policy manual and getting things in order and providing some direction to the police officers.
“Getting policies restructured and in place is my number one priority, because everything builds off that. It protects the city, the citizens and the officers,” he said.
“Operationally we won’t be making any changes until we can obtain information and evaluate,” the new chief said.
“Either by default or intentional design, the officers here are doing a lot of things that will be retained (in restructuring). I haven’t seen anything yet that has given me heartburn,” Sanders commented.
“It will be enhancements, trying to take things to the next level,” the police chief explained about any changes adopted.
Sanders said his goal is to make Humboldt the best police department in the state. Read more about his experience and hopes and expectations in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
Listening posts set for next week
In an effort to meet more of the community in a safe setting and hear their concerns and thoughts about community policing in Humboldt, Chief Joel Sanders has set three community listening post sessions next week. All three sessions are open to the public and people may come and go as they please.
• Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. at the Humboldt Community Center (former Senior Citizens Center).
• Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. at Miller’s Landing.
• Thursday, Feb. 4 at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 716 Main.
The new chief looks forward to meeting citizens and listening to their thoughts.
