Clayton PD finally at full staff

Heavy turnover took its toll on the Clayton Police Department this year. But, after operating severely short-handed for months, the department is now fully staffed with three new officers and an internal promotion to sergeant. From left: Officers John Fraga and Garrett Wayne, Sergeant Jason Shaw and Officer Lee Borman.

With the addition of three new officers, the Clayton Police Department is now fully staffed, said CPD Chief Chris Thorsen.
Lee Borman, John Fraga and Garrett Wayne joined the force within the past six months. In addition, longtime Officer Jason Shaw was promoted to sergeant, Thorsen said. Including Thorsen, the staff of officers protecting Clayton now numbers 11.
“The new guys are working out fantastic,” Thorsen said. “They bring a positive attitude to work and a desire to learn, grow and continue developing as police officers. And even though all three are finished with their training process, they say, ‘every day is a training day.’”
Officer Borman was hired April 21 and completed training July 12. He attended the police academy at South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Center in San Jose and graduated in November 2011. He previously worked in the private sector as an Asset Protection Specialist.
Officer Fraga was hired June 16, 2014, and completed training Sept. 13. He  attended the police academy in Santa Rosa and graduated in November 2012. Previously he worked for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department for about a year before deciding to come work in Clayton.
Officer Wayne was hired May 27, 2014 and completed training July 30. He attended the police academy at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Training Center in Pittsburg and graduated in September 2013.  He previously worked for Richmond Police Department for six months before coming to work for Clayton.
Clayton PD has seen a 50 percent turnover in the past year. Most of the departing officers left for jobs in bigger departments where the pay scale is higher and there are greater opportunities for advancement. During the short-staffed months, the department backfilled with overtime and assistance from Concord PD.
Finally, at full complement, the department now has time to explore new projects, Thorsen said. He is beginning to research the use of body-worn cameras and the data storage and management requirements that follow their use. Data collected from the cameras is evidence and must be stored and protected, Thorsen said. You can’t just upload it to your iTunes account.”