On Wednesday, Noblesville Police Chief John Mann petitioned the Noblesville Police Merit Commission to consider a merit promotion within the police department.
Chief Mann requested that Sergeant Matthew (Matt) McGovern be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. The Police Merit Commission approved the request and McGovern was officially sworn-in at his new rank during an internal ceremony on Friday.
Lieutenant (Lt.) McGovern was hired by the NPD on Sept. 8, 1998. Prior to the approval of his promotion, Lt. McGovern served in the support division assigned to community outreach. In addition, Lt. McGovern is also a member of the crash reconstruction unit and drone unit and will continue to serve in those capacities. Lt. McGovern will be reassigned to the patrol division where he will serve as a shift commander.
Advancement to the rank of sergeant and lieutenant are merit promotions within the Noblesville Police Department. Patrol officers and detectives are eligible to apply for the sergeant promotion process while officers currently holding the rank of sergeant are eligible to apply for the lieutenant process. Interested candidates for either process must submit to a formal evaluation process. The process is comprised of a number of components to include a written examination, oral interview, assessment exercises, and a review of past work performance. The process is extremely competitive and is administered every two years in order to establish an eligibility list. If the promotion request is approved by the Police Merit Commission, the officer is required to serve a one-year probationary period.
The Noblesville Police Merit Commission is charged with making final decisions on promotions, hiring, and disciplinary matters relating to members of the police department. The commission meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at Noblesville City Hall, and the public is welcome to attend.
All other advancements in rank within the police department are considered appointments (deputy chief and assistant chief) and are made by the Chief of Police and those appointees serve at his/her discretion.