California to work with Moniteau County Sheriff’s Department after resignation of the Police Chief

CALIFORNIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Mayor and Board of Alderman of California formally announced the resignation of the Police Chief on Monday.

In a press release, the City of California announced officials accepted the resignation of Police Chief Daniel Hurt.

A special meeting was held on Friday where the Mayor and Board of Alderman accepted the resignation.

City Clerk Scott Jobe told ABC 17 News on Monday the resignation will take effect after two weeks.

According to the press release, Hurt's resignation follows recruitment and retention issues for the department.

"I feel at this time I can no longer provide this protection to our city and perform the duties of the Chief of Police due to staffing shortage," Hurts said in the release.

According to the City of California's Mayor, Lanny Ash, there are only two city police officers on staff right now.

"There's a shortage of officers that is coming through the academy," Ash said. "It's not just local, it's state and nationwide, and the small communities, they really struggle with that."

The city also announced in the release a partnership with the Moniteau County Sheriff's Department and remaining city officers.

Ash says that citizens should expect more Moniteau County Sheriff's vehicles in the area and not to worry about any changes in emergency response times.

"The Moniteau county and the City of California Police Department has always had a mutual aid, so we work together," Ash said. "I think  they will do a great job of covering the city."

City officials are currently talking with sheriff's deputies on rebuilding the police force.

"They're going to help us regroup and rebuild, so hopefully within a few months or so, we'll be back with a full staff," Ash said.