Clearlake Police officers stand together after receiving their new badges. Photo by Elizabeth Larson.

CLEARLAKE – Clearlake Police's officers received new badges in a Thursday ceremony that is meant to launch a new look and public image for the department. {sidebar id=19}

At the beginning of the Clearlake City Council meeting on Thursday, Oct. 25, 20 police officers filed into the council chambers for the ceremony, led by Police Chief Allan McClain.

McClain said over the past four months he has led his staff through a series of team building exercises, and has met with community members in order to get their input on how the department needs to improve.

“We want to look at this as a new beginning for the police department,” he said of the ceremony to give new badges to his officers.

The agency is moving forward with a new philosophy for addressing crime, community issues, and quality of life for residents and officers alike, said McClain.

“We want our men and women to be proud of who they are and what they represent,” said McClain.

With a view toward improved services and community involvement, Clearlake Police is working on gathering donations for a K-9 program, said McClain. The department also plans to start an Explorer Program for young people interested in law enforcement, with 25 young people so far saying they want to take part.

Other projects include a revamped policy and procedures manual to meet the department's new expectations and philosophy, said McCain, along with a new vision and mission statement. The latter, he added, formed with input from the community, including members of the Lake County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

McClain then called to the front Lt. Mike Hermann and Lt. Craig Clausen, both of whom were promoted to the new rank earlier this year.

McClain pinned badges on his two top officers and then they helped pin badges on other officers. Veteran officers also took turns pinning badges on their newer colleagues.

McClain said one of his newer officers if from Clearlake; recruiting people who want to make Clearlake and Lake County their home is a key to the department's new philosophy, he said.

In addition to his officers, McClain also recognized his dispatchers, code enforcement officers and evidence technicians.

Councilmembers thanked the officers for their service.

“Thank you very much for keeping us safe,” said Councilmember Joyce Overton.

Added Mayor Judy Thein, “I think this is a landmark evening for all of us here.”

McClain replied that his department appreciated the council's support.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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