Category Archives: Police and Fire

Silent Rejection: Article 11 and the Selectboard’s Inaction

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At Town Meeting in March 2023, Norwich residents approved Article 11, advising the Town “to consider” the addition of a fifth full-time officer to the Norwich Police Department (NPD). However, the Selectboard has quietly rejected this vote by finalizing next year’s budget without allocating funds for the additional position and more importantly for this post, without any discussion of Article 11. The Board’s rejection of the voters wish to consider the issue, without any kind of explanation, prompts questions about Continue reading Silent Rejection: Article 11 and the Selectboard’s Inaction→

Random Notes and Comments: 10-25 Selectboard meeting

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My collection of random comments, notes and thoughts after watching the video recording of the October 25 Norwich Selectboard meeting. Secrecy still shrouds appointment of TM In a prior post, I listed some of the superb questions a resident posed to the Selectboard about the ‘emergency’ appointment of a permanent town manager to a 3-year term. The Selectboard declined to respond to those questions, after asking that they be submitted in writing. Chair Marcia Calloway asked the Board if anyone Continue reading Random Notes and Comments: 10-25 Selectboard meeting→

Selectboard puts off discussion of adding fifth police officer until Fall

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The Norwich Selectboard has “decided” to delay consideration of adding a fifth police officer to the Norwich Police Department until budget season in the Fall. This decision was made at the Selectboard’s meeting on April 12th, where the topic was essentially tabled as part of the agenda setting process. My observations on the topic are at the end of this post, including a task force charge provided by ChatGPT. Background At Town Meeting 2023, voters approved Article 11, which advised Continue reading Selectboard puts off discussion of adding fifth police officer until Fall→

From ARPA to Zoning Director: Important matters facing the Selectboard

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As the Norwich Selectboard begins its new term following Town Meeting, here are some matters under consideration by the Board. Overall, addressing these issues will require careful consideration by our officials. \ If I missed something or erred, feel free to comment below or to contact me. * * * Thanks for reading. Contact the Norwich Observer at norwichobserver [at] gmail.com.

Selectboard candidate questionnaire. Q4: Police.

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The Norwich Observer asked the candidates for Selectboard the same five questions. Below is the fourth question and the candidates’ responses. A list of all five questions, without responses, is here. Article 11 is pertinent to this question. It reads: Article 11. ADVISORY VOTE: Shall the voters advise the Town to consider the appointment of a full-time police officer in addition to the three budgeted full-time police officers for a total of five including the chief? QUESTION: Police Police. Article Continue reading Selectboard candidate questionnaire. Q4: Police.→

Police Chief Keeling resigns. A few questions come to mind, about policing in Norwich, efforts to retain Town employees and more.

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It’s official. Police Chief Simon Keeling and another full-time officer have left the Norwich Police Department. If you think the Norwich Police Department should be defunded, you are pleased. We are at less than 50% of budgeted staffing levels, by my count. I have questions. No answers. Police Are residents safe? Town Manager Francis says: “With the assistance of county and state agencies Norwich residents will continue to have adequate public safety response.” It would seem that “adequacy” is in Continue reading Police Chief Keeling resigns. A few questions come to mind, about policing in Norwich, efforts to retain Town employees and more.→

Norwich Town Meeting results for 2022

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With the exception of the Police and Public Safety Study article, which was defeated, all other articles on the Norwich Town Warning received voter approval. In the only contested race for office, incumbent Roger Arnold bested Pam Smith for the three year Selectboard seat. The Town posted the results this afternoon here. Also of note, funding for the Norwich Fair fireworks passed by 90 votes. In comparison, the measure passed by over 300 votes last year. Some vote tallies on Continue reading Norwich Town Meeting results for 2022→

SURPRISE: Norwich has a permanent Police Chief

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Interim Police Chief Simon Keeling is now the permanent Police Chief for the Town of Norwich. That is surprising news. Not because of the person selected but because of the timing of the decision. Rewind to the April 28 Selectboard meeting. After hearing public comment over the course of two meetings, the Selectboard voted against immediately hiring a police chief. “Motion failed (yes – Layton, Calloway; no – Brochu, Gere, Arnold)” say the draft meeting minutes. [Aside: why are minutes Continue reading SURPRISE: Norwich has a permanent Police Chief→

$50,000 for a police study?

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On December 22 the Selectboard will likely take the next steps towards spending over $50,000 on consultants to examine whether the Norwich Police Department needs reforming or reimagining. Is this money well spent? I don’t know. But, I do have questions. To put this $50,000 amount in context, Norwich has $40,000 in its Climate Emergency, and about $46,000 in the Affordable Housing designated funds. The estimate to complete the Phase II engineering study for the Beaver Meadow Road sidewalk extension Continue reading $50,000 for a police study?→

Proposed Police Department budget includes body cams, two replacement vehicles. Police incidents increase by 20%.

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The 2023 fiscal year budget for the Norwich Police Department increases by over 7% under the proposal put forth by Acting Police Chief Simon Keeling and Interim Town Manager Rod Francis. The proposal includes body cameras for the police officers and replacement of two 2013 police cruisers. Except for the body cams, the goal of the budget proposal is to maintain the same level of service. Wages and benefits comprises about 75% of the budget. But that line decreases by Continue reading Proposed Police Department budget includes body cams, two replacement vehicles. Police incidents increase by 20%.→