King City searches for new police chief

The former acting King City police chief turned in his resignation. City Leaders have several options about which way they want to take public safety in the city.

Commander Bruce Miller, who is accused of being part of the towning scheme last year has resigned as the cast against him is still pending.

Meanwhile, city leaders are trying to move forward with input from the public.

Ronald Childers moved to King City five years ago. He is opening a new restaurant and his wife works at Memorial Hospital. Needles to say, they are invested in this community. Even so, he says he stands by the police department.

“Everyone knows we’re going through changes right now,” said Childers.

Mayor Robert Cullen says still the future of the police department is unknown.

As the search continues, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department still patrols King City overnight. At 6:00pm, King City police officers go home.

“We’re also awaiting a proposal from the sheriff’s office for expanding their coverage in King City,” said Mayor Cullen. He added, “All options are on the table now that sheriff Bernal has been sworn in. We are awaiting a proposal from him. That proposal should contain various options.”

Another option on the table is to bring in Greenfield Police Chief Adele Frese to manage the department. She said that is willing to help with that.

With all of this uncertainty, some residents like Ronald Childers say they are optimistic. “I would like to see the city hire more police officers. I know they have financial constraints right now, but they are doing everything they can, I think.”

In the mean time, they city is still looking at applicants for a new chief.

Later this month the city will be holding a public forum about the future of the police department looking for the public’s input.