Mayor seeks look at police department
BY PHIL REYNOLDS SOUTH JETTY REPORTER

Mayor Claude Brown wants to know what's going on with the Port Aransas Police Department, and he's asked that a discussion of the department be put on the city council's June 19 agenda.

"I've been down on the beach a couple of times and haven't seen an officer," Brown said. "I've also been asked by people if the police have stopped patrolling the beach."

The department is short of its authorized strength by five officers, officials said. That includes the absence of Sgt. Terry Syler, who is preparing for his second deployment to Iraq with the U.S. Army.

Police said they're working to recruit new officers, but the process is slowed because of the background checks and other paperwork that needs to be done on each officer before employment.

Police Chief Sam Russell referred inquiries to City Manager Michael Kovacs. Kovacs declined to talk about details of the upcoming agenda item, citing its status as a personnel matter.

"The mayor has expressed some concerns about the police department, and has asked that it be put on the council agenda," Kovacs said.

But Kovacs said his office has received no complaints from citizens about police department operations or behavior.

He said the council could possibly go into executive session behind closed doors for the discussion because it is a personnel matter.

The council meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at the council chamber, 710 W. Ave. A.