The state of California requires all police departments to properly collect, process, dispose of and/or store evidence. According to Bob Priebe, Moraga's police chief, there are not enough personnel in his department to do this work. "This is a problem," he said at a recent Town Council meeting. "We have several years' worth of narcotics and stored weapons that need to be destroyed and we simply don't have the time to do it." This work is done by the chief himself or by a lieutenant, who will retire in March, when time permits. In the past, a community service officer has sometimes fulfilled that function, but the position has been staffed on and off depending on funding. The Town Council approved the hiring of a new part-time CSO and the chief is actively recruiting; members of the community are welcome to send their resumes.
The CSO will be a non-sworn civilian employee of the town. Priebe stated at the meeting that the financial impact to the town of Moraga would be about $40,000 a year. He added that he was not asking for a full time employee because he didn't want to have to cut that position again. The chief does not expect to hire someone already fully trained for a part-time job, "We will hire someone who has the potential to become a good CSO; we will provide the training and get them to where they need to be." Priebe described the CSO as someone of the highest character, with attention to details.
The full description for the position is posted on the PD's web site with specifics on how to apply; go to police.moraga.ca.us.

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Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA