McClain takes over as new deputy chief at PBPD

Mike McClain’s interest in the Poplar Bluff Police Department was sparked early in his law enforcement career, when he heard nothing but praise for the agency.

In the 24 years since he was hired, McClain has risen through the ranks and recently was named its deputy chief.

Originally from Malden, McClain worked for the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department from July 1993 until February 1995. He came to Poplar Bluff in 1995.

“I started as a communication officer and was reassigned to the jail,” said McClain, who graduated from Southern Missouri Christian School in Poplar Bluff. “While working for the sheriff’s department, I heard nothing but praise for the Poplar Bluff Police Department, so that is what really sparked my interest in seeking a career here.”

During his interview, McClain said, Lt. Tom Brown asked him what his goal was should he be hired.

“My answer to him was to be the highest ranking officer that I could be,” McClain said.

About three years after being hired, McClain was promoted to corporal. He later was promoted to sergeant on June 1, 2005; lieutenant on Nov. 20, 2007; and captain on Nov. 13, 2008.

“I would like to thank Chief Danny Whiteley for the faith and trust that he has (placed) in me, in selecting me as the new deputy chief,” McClain said.

With his appointment as deputy chief, McClain said, he has handed off his duties as the department’s IT manger, fleet management and radio infrastructure management to other members of the department.

McClain also handed off system administration for the department’s public safety software.

As deputy chief, McClain said, he is to “perform the duties of the chief of police in his absence (and) assist the chief of police with managing and directing all aspects of the day-to-day police department operations, including, but not limited to, employment, promotions, policy development, counseling, discipline and litigation.”

McClain said he has set several goals for the department.

“My goal, in short, is to take a great department, with great employees and make it even better,” he said.

One goal already being implemented is the addition of public information officers, said McClain, who indicated there will be two — Lts. Josh Stewart and Keith Hefner.

Both Stewart and Hefner will be provided with additional training, he said.

“The goal of those positions is to streamline the dissemination of information to the public in a timely and structured fashion,” McClain explained.

Other goals, he said, are to continue building on the foundation that has been set with added structure and stability; to improve service and visibility through information sharing (in and outside the department) and recognition of employee excellence.