Burlington โPolice Department Secures New contract Aimed โคat Boosting Recruitment and retention
Burlington, VT – The Burlington City Council unanimously approvedโ a new three-year contract with the cityS police department last month, designed to address critical staffing shortages and improve officer morale. The agreement, finalized after negotiations concluded in July, seeks to position Burlington as aโฃ leading employerโฃ for law enforcementโ professionals in Vermont.
The contractโ comes as theโ department faces notable challenges in attracting and retaining officers, โฃrevealed in an internal survey conducted by the police union last summer. That survey found 75% of officers reported morale as “poor” or “terrible,” and highlighted ongoing strugglesโฃ with recruitment. The new agreement aims to alleviate these issues and build a more stable and competitive police force for the city.
The previous interim police chief, who stepped into the role in March following the departure of jon โฃMurad, stated heโข wouldโฃ not seek to remain โin the position. Murad recently transitioned to become the commissioner of theโฃ vermont โDepartment of Corrections. โข
Details ofโฃ the contract where not immediately released, โฃbut officialsโ say โthe terms are โintended to make Burlington a more attractive option for potential recruits. The move follows a recent City Council resolution passed on August 26th โfocused on improving safety โฃmeasures in City Hall Park, reflecting ongoing discussions about public safety enforcement downtown.
the โคmayor and membersโ of the โฃCity Council have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the specifics of the contract. The Burlington Police Department hopes the new agreement will mark a turning point in โคaddressing its staffing concerns and strengthening its ability to serve theโค community.