BPD Now Has Own Web Site

BENNINGTON - Ever wonder what police are doing? Ever wonder who the officers are that are protecting the community? Now you can just log on to the Bennington Police Department's Web site. The Department launched its Web site several weeks ago in an effort to better communicate with the public, said Chief Richard Gauthier. The site was created by Jennifer Holley, of  Web Sites and More in Shaftsbury, said Gauthier. Holley volunteered her time to create the site free of charge to the department. She will continue to update the site for free as well, he said. The Web site has a lot of features that will benefit both the community and the department, said Gauthier. The public will be able to log onto the site and see pictures of each of the officers that are sworn to protect the town and residents, he said. "It certainly will be helpful to put a name to an officer's face," said Gauthier. The site will allow the community to keep in touch and send messages to officers as well. "We've been finding it fairly useful for people to contact us," said Gauthier. "I've actually received messages from people from all over the country."
	Sgt Lloyd Dean looking at the Bennington Police Departments new website
"The feature with perhaps the biggest potential payoff for the department is the crime tip system. Residents can now send anonymous information to the department regarding crime that they may have witnessed or been a victim of, but it has not been utilized much," he said. "I don't think it's widely known yet," he said. Sgt. Lloyd Dean believes the tip page could help the department solve crimes that may never have been brought to the department's attention. He said offering people a method of communication they are comfortable with is important. "A lot of people are computer-oriented and think, 'OK, I'll take care of that on the Internet,'" he said. "Some people prefer typing as a method of communication instead of picking up a phone or driving here." Gauthier said the site will be a useful tool for the department to "let people know how well the department is doing." One page features community events in which the department either participates or organizes, such as bicycle safety and helmet use programs and firearms safety, child restraint and DUI awareness programs. Like other town departments, the police must submit a monthly newsletter to Town Manager Stuart A. Hurd about the department's activity, said Gauthier. The police newsletter will soon be posted online so residents who do not attend or watch the Select Board meetings will understand what the officers are doing. In addition, the Web site has links to other site where residents can find information about the town., the legal system and the business community. Public records may be requested electronically too. Gauthier said the department's decision to develop a Web site was easy to reach. "Let's face it, a presence on the Web these days is certainly necessary to enhance the department," said Gauthier