BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Shannon Bagley is now the Chief of the Battle Creek Police Department.
City Manager Rebecca Fleury appointed him interim Chief for six months, to see if he and the city found the role a good fit. The permanent appointment is a couple of weeks ahead of that deadline.
Bagley joined the Battle Creek Police in September 2021 as Investigations Deputy Chief and served in that role until January 15 of this year.
He stepped into the interim chief role as then-Chief Jim Blocker retired at the end of January.
Fleury said in a statement, “I have heard from community leaders, Police Department staff, and many others about Shannon’s service. Overwhelmingly, the feedback has been positive. In fact, many people asked why it took so long to make this announcement; I wanted enough time for him to become comfortable in this role, and for me to observe his work as chief, plus gather that internal and community feedback. I have no doubt that Shannon is the right person to lead the Battle Creek Police Department.”
Since Bagley was named interim Chief, the BCPD has developed a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, with the help of U.S. Department of Justice grants.
The BCPD also has recently recruited a record 17 new police officers in an attempt to help address staff shortages in recent years.
Bagley said, “This moment is both exciting and humbling; being named Chief of the Battle Creek Police Department is truly an honor. The organization’s priority will be building and maintaining relationships with our neighbors and business owners who live and work in Battle Creek and Bedford Township. We will be intentional and inclusive with neighborhood outreach and engagement. The future holds tremendous opportunities, and there will be challenges. The members of the Battle Creek Police Department, working collaboratively with the community, will meet those head-on.”
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