‘Defund the police’ arrives in Middlebury

MIDDLEBURY — More than a dozen people have asked officials here to redirect the Middlebury Police Department’s voter-approved $46,234 budget increase for fiscal year 2021, and to begin looking at ways to “defund” the MPD. A national call for defunding police agencies has gained momentum since the May 25 killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Still, some Middlebury officials were surprised to see MPD targeted by the movement.  Police Chief Tom Hanley, who has led the department for almost t … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — An erroneous report alleging that a Black man had pulled a woman out of a car at gunpoint near Mary Hogan Elementary School on Monday, June 22, led Middlebury police to order the man to raise his hands and submit to a pat-down. The man at the … (read more)

VERGENNES — An eight-member panel of Vergennes residents is working on a charge for a city Citizen Review Board that could be established within a month and make recommendations to City Manager Daniel Hofman on Vergennes police operations, policies and ac … (read more)

In principle, we’re in favor of the protests around the country calling to review and restrain police budgets that have been ramped up over the past decade or more as the nation has seemingly adopted a more militaristic approach to police work. The initia … (read more)

Here’s a question for everyone who lives in the Bristol Police District, who are on the hook for funding 90% of the town’s police budget: If there were a question on the ballot that, if approved, would dissolve the Bristol Police District — effectively el … (read more)

I am able to walk in my neighborhood. Rest in Peace Ezell Ford. I am able to play peacefully in the park. Rest in Peace Tamir Rice. I am able to go grocery shopping. Rest in Peace George Floyd. I am able to relax in my home. Rest in peace Breonna Taylor. … (read more)

VERGENNES — After hearing from about 20 residents on Tuesday, the Vergennes City Council took the first steps toward forming a citizen review board to work with and oversee the Vergennes Police Department.  The decision also followed a June 2 forum in whi … (read more)

“Black Lives Matter” — of course they do. But this is more than a slogan to be tucked away until yet another tragedy occurs, where we get a sense that in some minds black lives do not matter. And with that I condemn those rogue police officers who belie t … (read more)

This Friday, May 15, is National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Law enforcement officers from around the nation, and across Vermont, will join together in socially distanced spirit in remembrance of officers who have died in the line of duty. Each year an a … (read more)

MONTPELIER — Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan late on Thursday announced his office would be working with Vermont State Police and local police and sheriff’s departments to enforce Gov. Phil Scott’s March 13 social-distancing order. According to Dono … (read more)

VERGENNES — At a tense 40-minute personnel discussion at the Vergennes City Council last week, councilors talked at length about a Dec. 11 email sent by Alderman Mark Koenig to Police Chief George Merkel and its aftermath. Later last week Koenig acknowled … (read more)

BRISTOL — A Bristol man who was shot by state troopers last month during a confrontation outside his home has been cited for multiple offenses.  Greg West, 28, was cited for two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of reckless endangerment and one cou … (read more)

BRISTOL — Vermont State Police called to a domestic disturbance at a home on Lower Notch Road in Bristol Tuesday night shot a resident of that home who police say was armed. VSP and a Bristol Police Department officer immediately rendered first aid to the … (read more)

VERGENNES — On the evening of Monday, Nov. 18, a group of approximately 20 children and almost an equal number of parents came to the Bixby Library to share an evening of reading, laughter and chocolate chip cookies (made by Mrs. Merkel) with Vergennes Po … (read more)

VERGENNES — Talks between the newly unionized Vergennes Police Department and the City of Vergennes began on Oct. 10, but neither side would discuss any details of the meeting, including where it was held, who attended, how long it lasted, what issues wer … (read more)