This past month we completed our hiring process for police officer. Applicants for police officer completed a written test and physical ability testing in September. Successful candidates then participated in 4 hours of assessment exercises in October after which investigators conducted extensive background investigations on those that passed the exercises. The top candidates were then interviewed by the Police and Fire Commission. Candidates successfully completed a full day of psychological testing and after all the testing and scrutiny; the City of West Bend hired the following three police officers on January 3, 2017.
Shawn Spencer – Shawn graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 2011. After graduation, Shawn joined the Army National Guard and is still a reserve member.
Shawn attended Waukesha Area Technical College where he obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in 2015 and completed the State of Wisconsin 720 hour Basic Recruit Academy in December 2016.
If you attended a Milwaukee Buck’s game in the past 3 years you likely saw Shawn entertaining during timeouts as he was one of the high-flying Rim Rockers.
Brock Bateman – After graduating Pewaukee High School in 2012, Brock attended Concordia University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in Justice and Public Policy in May of 2016.
Brock completed the State of Wisconsin 720 hour Basic Recruit Academy at Waukesha Area Technical College in December 2016. Brock has spent his past couple of summers painting, and installing siding and windows.
Nicholas Ratas – Nick, the elder of this trio, graduated from Menomonee Falls High School in 2005. After graduation, Nick joined the U.S. Marines and served a tour in Afghanistan before leaving the Marines as a corporal in 2011.
After his service, Nick worked in the business world for a couple years before enrolling in the Criminal Justice Program at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
He obtained his Associates Degree in 2015 and completed the State of Wisconsin 720 hour Basic Recruit Academy at MATC in December 2016.
Thank you Shawn, Brock, and Nick for choosing law enforcement as your careers and choosing West Bend Police Department to start your careers.
Stay safe. I hope to see you someplace warm in the community.
Kenneth J. Meuler, Chief of Police
Monthly Crime Statistics – December 2016
