BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Burlington’s police chief says a charter change before voters could hurt the department and public safety.
The Burlington City Council has twice tried but failed to win enough support for more police oversight. But the question is back on the ballot next month in a watered-down version. However, it still gives the Burlington Police Commission the power to investigate officer misconduct, and potentially override the chief’s findings.
BPD Chief Jon Murad says, if passed, the measure will hurt morale and recruitment efforts for an already short-handed force. “We’re doing things that other communities aren’t and that officers don’t want levels of scrutiny that go above and beyond that scrutiny they already have,” he said.
The chief says the current oversight measures, including the courts, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council, and department discipline are working.
