Town of Plains receives new police officer

PLAINS – The town of Plains hired a new police officer Monday night at the town council meeting.

Ethan Harvey, the former reserve deputy of Plains, was hired on and worked his first shift on Tuesday night. Harvey will be taking Logan Martin’s place in the department.

Growing up in Plains, Harvey wanted to give back to the town in a positive manner, helping to protect the town he loves.

With a background in fighting forest fires and working at the detention center in Thompson Falls, Harvey said he always had an interest of going into law enforcement. After taking on the role of the reserve deputy of Plains, a part-time volunteer position, the job helped validate his want to be an officer.

“It definitely opened my eyes to the job description,” said Harvey. “I got to see the whole realm… and I think that since solidified it for me. This is exactly what I want to do.”

As a reserve deputy, Harvey had to complete 88 hours of training, which varied from the classroom, to time at the range, weapons training and various other trainings. Much of the time was also spent conducting ride-alongs with other police officers.

Police Chief Shawn Emmett explained a reserve deputy needs to complete their 88 hours of training within two years. Harvey had approximately 600 to 700 hours in eight months – setting him apart as an applicant.

Now as a paid police officer, Harvey said he knows how to handle the requirements of the job.

“Our job is to uphold the laws of the state of Montana and the city ordinances. I have to do my job but at the same time I realize it’s a small community and we all know each other,” said Harvey. “You have to be professional and do your job but you know you have to be courteous and polite while doing it.”

Harvey explained the job is much more than the standard traffic stops people see on a day to day basis. Even in a small town, the problems the Plains officers deal with span into the realms of real crime.

“A lot of people see routine traffic stops but there are a lot of drugs in this county and this community,” said Harvey. “There is a lot more that goes on in the shadows and behind the scenes.”

Harvey explained that as he was growing up, he never thought the town had much of a problem with crime, drugs or other things of that nature. However, after going through high school and seeing it firsthand, he realized that a problem lies here as well.

“I’ve personally seen drugs and alcohol ruin people’s lives and if I can be a part of deterring that and have it as a job, to me that’s a win-win situation,” said Harvey.

After seeing crime in his community, Harvey just wants to give back and help the people of Plains.

His love of helping people in a community he holds close to his heart is what Harvey considers the most rewarding part of the job.

“I like the people of Plains and you know, this job helps me to serve the people of Plains,” said Harvey, explaining that even the littlest things like picking up someone’s dog is a way he can give back. “I find joy in helping people and that’s not all this job is but there’s plenty of opportunities to help people.”

On the same note, Harvey understands that knowing everyone in the town he grew up in could cause a conflict of interest. However, he is not worried about that one bit.

“There are people I went to school with and that I’ve arrested and dealt with and to me, it doesn’t affect me any differently than someone I don’t know,” explained Harvey.

According to Emmett, Harvey will need to attend the Police Academy in order to be trained fully by the state. Harvey has 12 months to go to the academy and Emmett said if a problem arises, a six month extension can be granted.

“If you don’t go the academy within that 18 months you lose your arrest authority and can’t be a police officer,” explained Emmett.

The police department plans to send Harvey with their funds in a trade-off for Harvey’s time.

Before he is sent to the academy, Harvey will have to sign a three year contract with the town.

After observing how both Police Officer Frank Ceely and Emmett handled different situations, Harvey said he knows the expectations and knows he is able to hit those expectations.

“I handle situations and I don’t get fired up,” said Harvey, explaining that it takes a lot to get him worked up. Harvey remained humble and explained that when in a new position, he always starts at a baseline and works to improve.

“I don’t know everything and I’m not going to act like I know everything so this is a great opportunity for experience and training,” said Harvey.