The Newton Police Department is ending the year fully staffed after some recent hirings. Police Chief Rob Burdess has twenty-seven sworn officers, and feels fortunate to have all those positions filled.

“Nationally, law enforcement recruiting is down, and way down in certain states. We are fortunate to live in Iowa, where we have great supportive communities. All in all, we feel really good where we are at. We have a really great team protecting our community.”

One of the newest officers to the Newton Police Department is Officer Logan Lindow. Chief Burdess says Officer Lindow graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston less than two weeks ago, and posted high marks in academics, firearms, and fitness. Chief Burdess says Officer Lindow is completing the final stage of field training and will be assigned to an evening shift starting in January.

Newton has another new officer that is scheduled to attend the Academy in January. The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy consists of 16 weeks of training focused on laws, tactics, fitness, firearms, mental health, first aid, driving, and other areas that recruits need to perform at the highest level in their community.