It's hard to believe that a year has past since my appointment as Police Chief, and what a year it has been. During FY1996-97 the department was the recipient of an additional Federal Grant which allowed us to hire another full time officer and assign a veteran officer to the Northern Drug Task Force. Through the efforts of Officer Loren "Buzz" Gove, the Police Department received a Ford Tempo and a Chevrolet 4X4 pick-up truck from the United States Military. This re- deployment of surplus property, at no cost to the City, will be a great asset this winter.

This year, the Police Department purchased a new 1997 Ford Crown Victoria using the proceeds of a drug forfeiture and a law enforcement block grant from the Department of Justice. The Block Grant program enabled the Police Department to purchase needed equipment and up-grade our eight year old computer system.

The Winooski City Council adopted a complete re-write of the Winooski Code of Ordinance, Motor Vehicle and Criminal Ordinances, in December. With the utilization of the City Grand Juror, the Police Department has taken an active role in the enforcement of these ordinances, which effect the basic quality of life of the members of our community. During the year, we have seen a dramatic decrease in the number of complaints received for these violations, which we attribute to the increase in enforcement by the department.

Every year the Vermont Legislature considers legislation which increases the amount of time officers must spend on complaints. This year, members of the police department were invited to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee to provide the "street officers" perspective on pending legislation. Our testimony helped shape the final DWI bill which was passed by the Senate.

During FY1996-97, the Police Department responded to 10,456 calls for service which included 501 arrests for criminal violations, 88 of which were lodged at the Correctional Facility. The department issued 1054 traffic tickets and 1230 parking tickets and investigated 318 motor vehicle accidents.

I would like to thank the members of the Police Department for their support and look forward to another great year.

(Steve McQueen, Chief of Police)