REDUCTIONS IN POLICE SERVICE
Due to budget cuts and reductions in staffing, effective July 1, 2010, Norton residents may see and need to prepare for reductions in service from the Norton Police Department. Department funding has not kept pace with the growth rate in the town over the past several years. There has been an increase in calls for service, training mandates and cuts in funding, which will has and will continue to lead to less coverage and availability of personnel on the road. Most times there will be three officers on the road available to respond to calls and perform other police related functions.
Residents should be aware that they may experience a delayed or no response to non-priority calls if officers are not available due to simultaneous calls for service or high call volume.
Over the past several years, reduced state and local funding has resulted in a number of programs cut. Programs that have been affected in the past are:
D.A.R.E Community Policing Patrols and Programs
Citizens Police Academy Child safety seat inspections
RAD Reduction of hours in the Records Department
We have also developed a DO NOT RESPOND list for habitual false burglar alarms, in an effort to reduce the volume of calls.
This year’s budget also forced the elimination of the records clerk. Report requests will only be processed one day per week.
Firearm licensing will be reduced to two days per month.
This fiscal year, the police department is faced with more cuts, which have resulted in the several additional changes:
Reduction in follow up investigations
Reduced extra patrols
Reduced extra patrols for storms and holidays periods
Reduced radar requests
School Resource Officer will be a part time position for all five schools
Reduced prevention programs
Reduced officer training
The Norton Police Department is committed to providing the best possible services; within the resources we are allocated.
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