In “an effort to keep officers safe and the community safe with more officers,” Brookhaven Police Chief Kenneth Collins said he will recommend the hiring of three officers and the move of others from part-time to full-time.

Collins said he is asking the City to hire two individuals as full-time, uncertified officers. They are Raymond Gatlin and Myia Norwood. If hired, both will be certified through the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer Training Academy in Pearl.

Collins is also asking the Board of Aldermen to approve the hire of Detective Roger Wilson, retired from the Brookhaven Police Department, as a part-time Municipal Court security officer, “due to the large number of people at the courthouse during court.”

In addition to the new hires, the chief said he would like the City to move four officers from part-time duty to full-time status. These are officers Kanetia Simpson, Rashawn Tillman and Tyrone Crain, all of home Collins said helped keep attendees of the Old Brook Festival safe, and officer Shardae Oatis. All are certified officers.

Crain and Simpson were presented to the board during its Oct. 3 meeting for the same move.

“We want the citizens to know we are already planning for the upcoming fall festivals and Christmas parade, to ensure everyone who attends is kept safe,” Collins said. “I’m working with Emergency Management Director Chris Reid and Sheriff Steve Rushing to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during the holiday season. I will always do what I can to the best of my ability to keep our beautiful city as safe as possible.”

Collins’ recommendations are set to be brought before the Brookhaven Board of Aldermen at its next regular meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the city boardroom of the Lincoln County/Brookhaven Government Complex. Meetings are broadcast live on YouTube.com.