By JEFF EPSTEIN
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WINDSOR, Vt. — Despite having to deal with crime from persons involved in the drug trade, as other communities have to do, Police Chief William Sampson told the select board Tuesday that overall, the police department is in good shape.
“We are at full staff,” Sampson said. “We’re very fortunate … we have a dedicated staff.”
The department recently hired a new school resource officer, and another new officer, local to Windsor, is currently at police academy, he added.
“Calls to service have been down considerably from what they were,” he said. The department is also working together with West Windsor to work to control speeding in the area.
Both Watson and Town Manager Tom Marsh expressed frustration with drug users and dealers, and noted that while police can work hard to build a prosecution case, the person accused may wind up back on the street. “We want to help the users as much as possible,” said Marsh, but “it is frustrating.”
The one thing Windsor police can do, Sampson said, is have a reputation for active enforcement.
“If you want to come here and sell drugs,” we will arrest you, he said.
In other matters, Marsh reported to the select board that he has reached out to the National Guard regarding the use of its armory building and grounds for a dog park, as discussed at the board’s previous meeting.
The select board also discussed, in general terms, the tax stabilization fund, and how it might be used more effectively to help local businesses. Marsh told the board that the fund was just one of many tools it might use for economic development.
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