Jackson PD has qualified person within its ranks

To the editor:

It is with great disappointment that I read the recent article concerning the candidates for Jackson police chief. I am sure all three finalists are among the highest quality of law enforcement talent, but I find it difficult to believe the review committee failed to take a serious look at the current operations captain, Robert Hull Jr. Capt. Hull has as much experience in and with the criminal justice system as anyone in the area. He has served with the Jackson department since 1976. He has raised two great children and makes a great contribution to Jackson.

I would hope the review committee did not refuse Hull's bid for chief simply because he failed to possess the proper educational degrees. It is important to remember that at least one member of that committee did not possess such a degree but was chief for a number of years. He was perhaps the best chief the city has ever had.

The point that most scares me is a statement made to me a number of years ago by the current assistant city administrator who was then a member of the police department: No person would ever become police chief in Jackson unless he was born and raised in Jackson. Could it be that Hull's Cape Girardeau upbringing invalidates his years of experience with the department?

As a former member of the Jackson department, I am disappointed in the review process and believe the residents of Jackson deserve better.

T. MICHAEL MURRAY

St. Louis