BROOKLINE — The town is considering a switch to the Windham County Sheriff's Department for its police coverage in the coming fiscal year.
Brookline currently has a contract for six hours a month with the Vermont State Police, which also answers all 911 calls and performs occasional patrols in town, at a cost of $3,600 per year. The current contract is set to expire on June 30.
Sheriff Keith Clark outlined his department's proposal to the Selectboard during its May 2 meeting. He said his department will charge $43 per hour, with no extra charge for mileage or other costs.
The Sheriff's Department would provide assistance and backup for the Brookline Animal Control Officers. Sheriff's officers have the ability to issue warnings and fines for offenses, and will follow up with court action if necessary.
He also said that a new program requires all deputies to log services within 24 hours into a database that would be accessible by the Selectboard.
Selectboard member Tom Staats told Clark that the town had been dissatisfied with previous contracts with the Sheriff's Department. Clark assured the board that changes have been made to the department's staffing, customer service processes, and general operation in the time he has been in charge.
Clark suggested that the town designate a liaison so any complaints can be addressed quickly. He also stressed that residents should dial 911, rather than call the Sheriff's Department or the State Police directly, if there is a emergency. Doing so, he said, removes any ambiguity about which agency to call.
He said the State Police would continue to cover 911 calls and do town patrols, even if the town contracts with the Sheriff's Department.
When asked by Selectboard member Amy Niebel if Clark's department could handle covering Brookline without additional staff, he replied that he can, and will, hire additional staff should the need arise, at no extra cost to the town. Major crimes are automatically handled by the State Police, he added.
Clark agreed to submit a proposal, and the board will consider it at its next scheduled meeting on June 21.