Plymouth Police Department to open applications for 26th officer position

Friday, October 2, 2026 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety voted Monday evening unanimously to allow the Plymouth Police Department to open the application process for a 26th police officer, pending approval of the 2027 budget. The Plymouth City Council followed suit later that evening, unanimously approving the 2027 budget as presented — with the 26th officer included.

Assistant Police Chief Matt Emenhiser appeared before the board seeking approval to open the application process in anticipation of the 2027 budget's passage. The budget includes funding for a 26th officer for the department.

Emenhiser said the department wants to move forward as soon as possible once the 2027 budget is approved because the hiring process is lengthy. The goal is to have the new officer hired very early in January, enrolled in the academy, and ready to begin patrolling by early summer.

Police Chief Weir and Assistant Chief Emenhiser both felt that reopening the application process would be most beneficial to get top-quality candidates.

Emenhiser explained that the department previously had an officer who was planning to move to Florida, prompting them to open the application process. That cycle drew 30 applications, but the officer ultimately changed his mind and stayed with the department, so none of the applications were used.

Emenhiser said he wasn't sure how many of the 30 original applicants were still looking for a job after five months had passed.

Board member Duane Culp noted during the discussion that rumors suggest an officer from the department has submitted an application for disability benefits, which could mean two positions may ultimately need to be filled.

City Attorney Jeff Houin clarified that the local Police Pension Board had approved the application for its portion of the process, but the application still must go through the State Pension Fund for final approval.

The board voted 5-0 to allow the Plymouth Police Department to open the application process if the City Council approves the 2027 budget with the 26th officer included.

During the City Council meeting that followed, the council unanimously approved the 2027 budget as presented, with the 26th police officer included — clearing the way for the department to begin accepting applications.