Morden Police Service has hired a new officer, bringing the service to 13 constables.

Steven Prentice, formerly of Brandon, entered police training at the Saskatchewan Police College in January this year. He is now in Morden for field training over the summer.

Police Chief Brad Neduzak notes the hiring process was made more difficult due to the current health situation. "There were many hurdles that not only Steve but the college had to face to get to this point. Unfortunately, they'll have to return in the fall to complete a couple of courses before the actual graduation."

Cst. Prentice was employed with Manitoba Corrections for the last decade and has experience with Corrections, including their Emergency Response Unit (CERU) as well as Supervisory and Management roles.

Prentice has significant experience, and he's a good fit for the Morden Department, says Neduzak.

"So far, he gets along really well with everybody, and he has a friend on the staff who also came from Corrections in Brandon. There's a bit of familiarity there, which helps to fit in, and we have no doubt he'll fit in quite well and be here for many years to come. We're excited to have him."

The new constable brings the complement of fully sworn officers to 16, says Neduzak, and is the first step to in adding an Inspector position.

"This needed to happen first, for some internal promotions to take place for the inspector position down the road."

He adds that it's a long process to get a new hire, taking 9 to 10 months to look through applications, perform various testing and interviews to get to this stage, and he says they're glad to be at this point.