Monroe Police Lower Cop Age

By Eddie D. Gillis

There are reports that officials of the Monroe Police Department (MPD) are seeking to lower the age limit for police applicants to age 19, the Monroe Dispatch has learned. Though no official announcement has come from MPD or the mayor's office, some action appears to have taken place. Reports indicate that a meeting was held on Friday, May 17, by the Monroe Fire and Police Civil Service Board, where the age consideration was on the agenda. According to sources, the item had little to no debate before it was voted on. There appeared to be no public discussion prior to the votes, and once the voting was over, there was allegedly a motion for a quick adjournment.

Sources said that newly-elected District 4 Councilman Bishop Rodney McFarland attended the meeting and voiced concerns about whether the meeting was conducted appropriately. Sources also mentioned that the meeting may not have been properly posted for the public to attend. There have been no comments regarding the proposed change in the hiring age for police officers from either MPD Chief Victor Zordan or Mayor Friday Ellis. More information is expected to come from city officials.