Burlington, Vermont is grappling with unintended consequences.
According to The Western Journal, After a significant reduction of its police force in 2020, the city is now battling heightened crime and insufficient law enforcement resources.
The decision to cut police staffing levels by 30 percent from 105 to 74 officers was a response to broader national calls for policing reform triggered by George Floyd's death. This reform aimed to address systemic issues within police departments nationwide. However, Burlington's move has been met with growing challenges.
Crime Escalation Post-Police Reduction
Recent years have seen a troubling surge in Burlington's crime rates. Aggravated assaults in the city have increased by 40 percent, while incidents involving gunfire have risen nearly 300 percent. Alongside violence, there's been an uptick in drug trafficking and drug use. Retail theft and gun-related crimes also escalate, stressing the already reduced police force.
City leaders, including the current City Council President Ben Traverse, acknowledge these rising concerns. Traverse, not originally part of the decision to cut police numbers, has witnessed the consequences firsthand.
Persistent Recruiting and Support Challenges
"We’re losing more officers than we’re gaining and that is not sustainable," remarked Democratic City Councilwoman Joan Shannon, highlighting another critical issue: recruitment. The city aimed to boost approved police staffing levels to 87 by 2022 but has struggled to meet even this revised number. Currently, only 68 officers are active, complicating enforcement and safety efforts.
Criticism also comes from within the police force itself. The Burlington Police Officers Association has expressed a dire need for more backing from city leaders to aid recruitment efforts and strengthen the department’s functionality. Despite efforts to rectify the initial staffing cuts, the city continues to face significant challenges in bringing its police force back to effective levels.
Local Businesses and Community Impacted
Ernie Pomerleau, president and CEO of a local real estate company, describes the repercussions of the reduced police presence: "And so, they allowed attrition to take down the police force – that was a mistake," he said. "We need to support the police."
The sentiment reflects a broader concern among business owners and residents feeling the impact of increased lawlessness and reduced safety. City Council President Ben Traverse adds insight into the specific issues they face:
"I think we've seen increased drug trafficking and drug use. You've seen increased circumstances of retail theft as well, and a lot of crimes that revolve around that -- increased gun-related crimes and other violence that comes with an increase in drug trafficking. Those are the kinds of issues that we’ve been dealing with here."
The intertwining of higher crime rates with fewer police officers presents a complex challenge for Burlington, straining resources and weakening community trust and security.
Looking Forward: Burlington’s Law Enforcement Dilemma
As Burlington confronts the ramifications of its reduced police force, city leaders and the community must navigate the delicate balance of reform and safety. Increasing police numbers and regaining public trust are now paramount for city officials.
Moving forward, comprehensive strategies to boost recruitment, alongside community engagement initiatives, will be crucial in reversing the adverse effects of the past cuts. City leaders now recognize the need for a robust policing strategy that addresses both crime prevention and fair law enforcement practices.
In summary, while well-intentioned, Burlington's decision to defund its police force has led to increased crime and staffing challenges. Efforts continue as city officials seek to rebuild the police department and restore public confidence. The city's experience serves as a lesson in the complexities of police reform and the essential role law enforcement plays in community safety.
