Bladel has worked for the department for 27 years, most recently as assistant chief since 2016.
submitted/Owen Farrell
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City of Davenport, Iowa
He says some policies don't improve relationships in neighborhoods and with people of color. So the department has changed to implement Gun Violence Intervention and crime analytics programs. The goal is to involve the community every step of the way.
Bladel says recruitment and retention will be big challenges. The Davenport Police Department is down about eight sworn officers due to retirements and resignations.
Currently, 192 people work for the police department, and 159 of them are sworn officers. (The city is allowed to hire 167 sworn officers.)
Bladel's official swearing-in ceremony is set for September 7th.
