Police Chief: Force Faces Changing Times

BENNINGTON - The Bennington Police Department has changed right before your eyes, Police Chief Richard Gauthier told members of the American Association of Retired Persons Thursday. Gauthier said he likes to compare the department to what it was like in 1980, when he first joined as a patrol officer. ”I kind of compare where we are now with where we were 25 years ago,” he said to about 30 audience members. In one instance, things are very much the same. The department has the same number of officers today as it did back then, with 25. The department will add one new officer this year when the town's new budget takes effect, said Gauthier. Although the number of officers has remained constant, demands on the department have increased drastically, he said. According to Gauthier, the department responded to more than 8,000 complaints last year, or, at least 22 per day. The calls vary greatly in terms of priority and importance, but the department does its best to investigate every call, said Gauthier. ”We make a diligent effort to respond to every complaint. Why? Because it's very important to the person that made that complaint,” said Gauthier. Gauthier explained what factors have brought about changes in police work over the past quarter century, citing equipment and laws as the impetus.

Chief Gauthier, addressing members of the American Association of Retired Persons on Thursday.

Police cars used to roll right off of dealership lots and have lights and sirens installed. That of course is no longer the case, said Gauthier. Police cruisers now have special packages that include powerful transmissions and special tires. They are also equipped with on-board computers. In addition, changes to state laws have forced officers to adopt new tactics as well, according to Gauthier. ”The laws have become more intricate, certainly the procedural laws have become more intricate — how we can and can't do our jobs,” he said. All of the technological and legal changes mean more training is required for new officers. According to Gauthier, the police academy training course has been changed from eight to 16 weeks. When a new officer is hired, the department typically requires he or she undergo a seven week local training course. Another change to the department has been to allow officers to specialize in specific areas of law enforcement, said Gauthier. By having officers specially trained, the community benefits and officers are more likely to enjoy their jobs, said Gauthier. ”It allows us to serve the community better. ... Allowing officers to specialize also helps with retention,” he said. Gauthier cited several officers as examples of specializing, including Officer Erick Ericksen's work with the departments former K-9, Cory, and the future work he will do with new dog, Colonel. In addition, he mentioned the department's special response team, also known as a swat team, that responds to more serious situations. One of those team members is Detective Lawrence Cole, who serves as the departments crisis negotiator, said Gauthier. ”He's the most important because we want to talk our way out of the situation,” he said. “We want him to be the most used member of the team.” As the department has evolved, so have weapons. Gauthier said the department is currently using non-lethal force at times in form of pepper spray and pepper-balls, which are can be fired as a projectile and release pepper spray when it strikes something and ruptures. Using tasers, and device that shoots an electrical current at someone to stun them could be a new option, he said. ”We're exploring the possibility of getting tasers as well. We don't see this as pepper-MACE or tasers. The more tools you have the better,” said Gauthier. Audience members were given a chance to ask questions, too, which ranged from dog leash laws to the lawfulness of shooting an intruder. ”What do I do if someone breaks into my home? ... If I have a gun can I shoot them?” asked one woman. Gauthier explained that shooting someone might be extreme in many cases, but the law allows a person to use any level of force to defend themselves from harm.