Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The Jamestown City Council met in Special Session at City Hall, on Thursday (Jan 12, 2012) to discuss hiring a new Jamestown Police Chief. All members were present.
Former Chief, Dave Donegan resigned effective December 31, 2011, and the Council appointed Lt. John Gletne as interim chief.
A city panel was chosen to make the final selection of candidates, and conduct the interviews.
At Thursday’s meeting, Mayor Andersen said 16 candidates applied for the position. She added five candidates were interviewed, four in-house officers, and one from Moorhead, Minnesota, Lieutenant Joel Scharf. The Moorhead candidate withdrew his nomination.
The City Council was performing a background check on the Moorhead officer, which had delayed the selection process.
Mayor Andersen said the candidate for Police Chief needs to be knowledgable of the internal workings of the police department, including budgets, and other sources of funding, along with good public relations skills.
Mayor Andersen, Council Member Gumke, chose Jamestown Police Detective Sgt. Scott Edinger.
The Mayor said during the interview Edinger said the Police Chief should not be “a paper-pusher,” which impressed her.
Council Member Schulz said public comments indicated hiring outside the police department.
Schulz said he likes the idea of promotion from within, adding all local candidates are experienced, and have served the city well.
Council Member Kourajian also indicated his support of Edinger for Police Chief.
Mayor Andersen thanked Lt. Gletne for being interim chief, and for his previous years of service.
Mayor Andersen moved to appoint Scott Edinger to Police Chief.
The Council voted unanimously in favor.

Edinger’s appointment is effective immediately. He will be given time to transition from his duties as police detective.

Edinger has been with JPD for 18-years. Previous to Jamestown, his experience included serving as a Sheriff’s deputy in Niobrara County
Wyoming.

The three other Jamestown Police officers interviewed included officers Sgt. Tom Nagel, Lt. Robert Opp and Detective Captain, Gary Peterson.