The Monroe Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board has unanimously voted to allow the hiring of 19-year-olds as police officers for the Monroe Police Department. However, the decision has sparked controversy, with some questioning the legality of the board’s actions and the wisdom of entrusting teenagers with such responsibilities.
On May 16, 2024, the board was scheduled to hold a public hearing before changing the age requirement for police officers from 21 to 19. Despite advertising the hearing, it appears that no such hearing took place. Instead, the board proceeded to approve the revision to the classification plan.
Bishop Rodney McFarland, councilman-elect of District 4, and Roosevelt Wright, Jr., publisher of the Free Press, both attended the meeting to participate in the public hearing and voice their concerns. They…
