Residents Ask Banning Police Union Members About Volunteers, Chief's Vacancy

Residents who met with Banning Police Officers Association members Tuesday night asked about volunteers at the department and the process for filling the vacant chief's position.

Banning police Cpl. Joe Feola and Cpl. Brandon Smith were among police union members who answered questions Tuesday Jan. 7 at Russo's Italian Kitchen.

The BPOA is the union for all 24 sworn non-administration personnel who work for the Banning Police Department, said Smith, an elected representative of the Banning Police Officers Association.

The department is currently with a police chief. Former Chief Leonard Purvis filed a claim against the city in July, went on leave in October, reached a settlement with the city in November, and was rehired by the Sheriff's Department in December.

For background see:

Banning's Employment Risk Management Attorney Weighs in on Purvis Settlement Debate

For more from Tuesday night's meeting at Russo's see:

VIDEO: Residents Hear Banning Police Union Perspective at Russo's

VIDEO: Resident Asks Banning Police Officers About RR Crossing, Unsolved Homicides

VIDEO: Banning Police Union Members Respond to Questions on Staffing, MRAP