Better coverage — focus just on city — under local policing

Posted

The City of Belle is proud to announce we are working hard and swiftly to reestablish the Belle Police Department.  

There has been many hours of thought and research behind this decision.  A goal is to provide the safest and best possible community that we can.  There have been several questions asked that I would like to address and explain how we came to this decision.

To refresh everyone on the current situation, the City of Belle contracts for police services with the Maries County Sheriff's Office. The cost of the 2022 contract with the Maries County Sheriffs Department is $177,000. In February 2023 to sign a new contract with the Maries County Sheriffs Department the price will increase to around $200,000 per year. Breaking down the yearly fee of $200,000 by week that is approximately $4,000 per week.

The city has concerns with the deputy on duty for the City of Belle also being the deputy on duty for the entire county at times, therefore this leaves our community unprotected during times when emergencies arise in other parts of the county.  The Sheriff’s Department wishes to not enforce nuisance violations or respond to dog calls.

The question has been asked, can the city afford to bring the Belle Police Department back…I would have to answer that question with yes, we can afford it.  

I, the Council and Chief Turnbough are working diligently to get all the things needed to reestablish the department.  

With the liquidation of a lot of assets when the city contracted with the Maries County Sheriffs Department, most equipment needs to be repurchased. However, that gives the city the opportunity to purchase newer and improved equipment.  We have already made great strides to build back our equipment.

My promise is that our officers will have everything needed to keep the public safe as well as themselves safe. The Council has pledged to provide all ongoing training each year as needed.  

The Maries County Sheriff's Department has done an adequate job and I want to thank them for their service. I do believe we can give our community better coverage with focus just on our city with our own Police Department. 

As everyone is aware 90 percent of our city is in Maries County so we are entitled to their services and assistance in any serious crimes or situations.

Mayor Daryl White, Jr.