Sunriver Service District begins search for new police chief

The Sunriver Service District formed a committee on Thursday to look for permanent new police and fire chiefs.

It’s been a week since former Sunriver police chief Marc Mills announced his resignation as he faces a misdemeanor harassment charge for striking a sergeant and also was under an internal investigation on allegations of inappropriate behavior, outbursts of temper and fears of retaliation.

The committee will be looking for those possible candidates locally, and statewide, and it could also include a national search for the new police chief.

The board briefly mentioned Mills’ resignation during Thursday’s meeting.

Earlier this week, NewsChannel 21 reported the separation agreement between the service district and Marc Mills states, Mills will receive severance pay through April 30.

In addition, Mills will get paid for nine weeks of unused vacation time.

The agreement states both parties will not sue each other.

Former Salem police Officer Scott Hayes has been chosen as the new interim police chief; and the board approved the employment agreement for Hayes.

Hayes gave the board an update on the county’s troubled new dispatch radio system, saying the vendor Harris sent out engineers to Sunriver and the crew went on a ride-along and got valuable information.

He said crews were able to reprogram the mobile and car radios, which has improved communication between officers.

Hayes also said officers from Sunriver and other agencies will have more training on the Harris program to have a better understanding of how the system works.

Hayes didn’t mention a timeline on when that training will be held.

NewsChannel 21 asked Hayes about what he has done boost morale since Mills’ departure.

He said he has spoken to officers and has expressed his expectations.

“I want them to be moral and ethical in their decision-making. I want them to make their decisions for the right reasons.” Hayes said. “I am very big at community relations and building those relationships in the community.”

When asked whether he’ll be applying for the permanent police chief position, Hayes’ response was, “Time will tell.”