Killington Police Dept. Expands With Demand

Vermont Standard

By Curt Peterson

Standard Correspondent

killington — Hiring Brent Howard as their second full-time officer means killington’s police department has doubled in size in just over two years.

Chief Whit Montgomery says this is just one “baby step” in the department’s long-range strategic plan.According to Montgomery, the town employed elected constables as their first law enforcement resource in 1900. As the killington mountain ski resort grew in size and popularity, the constable system proved inadequate, and, at then-constable Montgomery’s suggestion, the select board approved formation of the new killington Police Department with a budget of $80,000 in 2013. According to a Vermont Standard article at the time, a rash of burglaries was a major inspiration for the vote. Montgomery was the department’s first chief and only full-time officer. Besides Howard and the chief, killington’s force now includes two part-time officers who help out during events and for other special details.

One important benefit of forming an official police department is the access to state and federal criminal record databases which constables do not enjoy. This access allows killington Police Department to check the criminal records of suspects and arrestees, and the status of automobile registrations, a valuable tool with so many out-of-towners present.

The town consists of 54 roads and 3,171 properties. While killington’s population is less than 900 souls on a slow weekend, Montgomery said, during ski season as many as 20,000 people occupy the town, just one of the factors that make policing in a resort town challenging. And the town is promoting more off-season events, which in turn means more demands on KPD.

“Assuming staggered scheduling,” he said, “the ratio of civilians to officers is often 20,000 to one. This puts enormous pressure on manpower and other resources.”

The Rutland County Sheriff’s Department and the Vermont State Police provide assistance and backup when the need arises.

“Otherwise, because backup can be more than miles away, the skill and training of the officers is all we have to rely on in difficult situations,” Montgomery added.

And difficult situations do arise. The chief said KPD duties have included serving search and arrest warrants, testifying in court, taking subjects into protective custody, performing search and rescue operations, handling people who are resisting arrest, and, yes, car chases.

“The most effective tool an officer has in many cases,” he said, “is his mouth – knowing how to calm people down and control potentially dangerous situations is the most important skill.”

Montgomery believes Officer Howard has those skills. Howard, who has 10 years’ experience in law enforcement, responded to a job posting on the town website and was vetted by Town Manager Seth Webb and the chief. He was hired at a wage of $18.60 per hour plus benefits, and started Monday November 9.

During his 14-year employment by the town, Montgomery co-organized killington Search and Rescue, a non-profit agency made up of volunteers who are skilled and experienced in wilderness search and rescue operations. With KPD direction the organization assisted neighboring towns and the State Police. Originally funded through donations and grants, KSAR is now under the auspices of the fire department.

In its strategic plan KPD recognizes the importance of community involvement in law enforcement. Montgomery pointed out the diversity of the vacationing population, including ages, languages, nationalities and backgrounds. He started a Neighborhood Watch program, enlisting full-time residents to keep an eye out for risky situations or suspicious activities.

“At this point the Watch doesn’t hold regular meetings any more, but citizens keep in regular touch to report anything they think the police department should be aware of,” he said.

State and FBI requirements include separate, locked office space for local police agencies. This summer KPD moved from an area shared with the Road Department to its own office on the second floor of the Chamber of Commerce building on Route 4. The office is currently open only Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. With Howard on board, Montgomery intends to expand the hours and adhere to more consistency.

As with any contemporary public agency, KPD has to balance perceived needs with the reality of finances. Montgomery hasn’t finalized his budget proposal for the 2016-2017 fiscal year yet, but he said he is not requesting any increase in his own salary, which is $45,726.

Early in the department’s history the chief suggested a regional law enforcement agency that would organize the resources and manpower of several municipalities and counties into one coordinated effort.

“It was a new idea,” he said. “But it makes sense – we could significantly increase the level of security and safety for our citizens while reducing costs by eliminating redundancies, duplications and overlaps. As officers we could be much more effective and for less taxpayer investment.”

He says a regional force is the logical future for improved local law enforcement at the lowest cost.