Oxford Police Department Gains A New Officer

By Scott Sutton

Miami University journalism student

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 was one of the most memorable days of David Morgan's life. It was the day Morgan took an oath of honor and was sworn in as Oxford's newest police officer.

The swearing in took place at that night's Oxford City Council meeting as many of Morgan's loved ones looked on. After he was sworn in they all quickly left the meeting, spurring laughter from the audience and council members.

Oxford Police Chief John Jones introduced Morgan, describing his journey from recruit to officer. He also explained that Morgan will be wearing badge number 53.

After being sworn in, Morgan had a few words for city officials and those in the audience.

"I will do my best and I will try hard every day. I will come to work to do what I am here to do and I promise that if there are any issues, I will take full responsibility and I will do everything I can to reflect positively upon this city. Thank you."

Sights Set On Oxford

A native of Eaton, Ohio, Morgan graduated from Sinclair Community College's Police Academy in 2016. Chief Jones says he was impressed by Morgan's passion for police work and his passion for Oxford.

"He had his sights set on Oxford and was very familiar with our City," Jones says. "He took several initiatives on his own to learn more about the position, such as doing several ride-alongs with our agency."

Morgan also took some classes at Miami University so he could get to know both Oxford town and campus better.

"It was a place that really stuck out from my childhood," said Morgan. "I gained some very valuable life lessons here. Oxford has just given me so much throughout my life. I love the environment. I love the way the people are."

On The Job, But Still Learning

Now that Morgan is sworn in, his real learning begins. The on-the-job training is divided into four phases.

The first phase consists of mainly observation, going on more ride-alongs, talking on the radio, paperwork, and other tasks that are part of the daily grind of the job. When his FTO (Field Training Officer) Pete Durkin starts seeing progression he'll be given more responsibility, such as driving the cruiser.

The second phase is when Morgan starts training to patrol on his own. He is expected to make his presence known around town by talking to kids, getting to know college students, and meeting families.

Though he's still early in his training, the interaction with the community is already his favorite part of the job.

"90 percent of our job is interacting with people," Morgan says. "Owners, bartenders, students. The tremendous diversity of people that we talk to."

The last two phases of training involve giving Morgan increasing amounts of autonomy during his interactions with the public and with people suspected of criminal activity.

"We’re not like other towns," Morgan's FTO Pete Durkin says. "We have a whole different way of doing things here. We don’t have the population of Hamilton and Middletown. We want outgoing people that want to be out with the public and can also do the job of law enforcement. We want the best of the best."

Photo: The Oxford Police Department is working to recruit more officers to its force. -- Photo by Scott Sutton.