BEAUMONT, Texas — The search for the new Jasper police chief remains in limbo. Jasper City Council members were unable to make a decision on which candidate to choose during a four hour special meeting Tuesday night.
All three candidates have between 15 to 37 years of law enforcement experience, which council members say made their decision that much harder.
Interim Chief Mike Pointdexter, Lieutenant Joshua Hadnot, and Lieutenant Garret Foster each believe that they are best candidate for the job.
"I've never quit this department if appointed chief it would be the pinnacle of my career," said Pointdexter.
Foster has his own ideas on what he would do if elected.
"I plan on opening up more lines of communication with the public," said Foster.
Hadnot thinks the community is in need of fresh ideas.
"I think it's time to move forward as a community together, and it's time for some change," said Hadnot.
Pointdexter started in the department in 1985, and has served as interim chief for the eight months after former Chief Gerald Hall retired.
He says that if he gets the job their will be a new focus on community involvement.
"I want people to know you, and I want you to know the people. The only way to do that is say 'this is what we're going to do', and if you can't get on board with that there is a lot of places looking for officers," said Pointdexter.
Hadnot has spent 15 years at the department. He believes his background and community first approach makes him the best fit.
"Played football here, went off to college came back, employed here, so they know me personally. I think they can relate," said Hadnot.
Foster has spent 20 years as a police officer, he hopes his new ideas will make a difference.
"We're talking about maybe starting the first every police academy," said Foster.
The Jasper Police Department recently came under fire after the June 4 death of resident Elvin Land.
Community leaders immediately asked for change.
I do believe that being open and transparent with the family, any family, not just the land family, but any family that may encounter something like this," said Hadnot.
Pointdexter thinks that the department did everything they could during the case.
"The case has been turned over to the Texas Rangers. They have take that case and done everything on it, anything they needed we got it for them," said Pointdexter.
Foster continues to reiterate the need for change.
"Some of these ideas I'm talking about will help eliminate some of these problems. If I'm able to bring more communication where we can voice those concerns," said Foster.
Pointdexter says that the officers involved in the shooting are back at work, he says he got the greenlight after speaking to Mayor Land.
Pointdexter said they were having to get other officers to come in and cover for them which increased overtime.
He says the Texas Rangers have the case, but it is a process. He wants the investigation to be done right and open book.
Council leaders will have to call another special session ahead of the next council meeting on November 12.