News

Law Enforcement: A Perplexing Issue
Part two

By the Gray Town Council and the Public Safety Committee

As Gray grows so does the demand for law enforcement services. In reviewing the needs of Gray, the Public Safety Committee identified the following points:

Troopers and Deputies pass through Gray and respond as calls require

Response times remain important

Calls for services are trending upwards

Presence in Gray is important for citizens and business

The Committee solicited proposals from the State Police and County Sheriff. The two categories were 24 X 7 coverage for about $460,000/yr or 40 hours per week for about $110,000/yr.

The data continues to suggest that Gray requires more law enforcement services including traffic control, legal service, incident responses and local patrolling. Currently, even with our County Tax, the level of deputy patrolling and Trooper responses does not fully meet the growing needs of Gray.

The Committee asks each citizen to review the following questions:
Are you satisfied with the current level of law enforcement services?
If you have used those services, was the response time acceptable?
Do you feel that your family or business has adequate law enforcement services when needed?

Is having a special 40 hour week dedicated contract for these services a value to you?

The Annual Town Meeting is Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 10:00 AM at Stimson Hall. There will be several Articles for your consideration. Article 19 deals with the Law Enforcement Contract for the new fiscal year.

Should you have any questions please contact the Town Offices at 657-3339.