Thinly-staffed police force remains a worry

David Cooper returned to Westminster’s meeting room last night with his concerns about the city’s small police force.  That force is now seven officers-strong, with an eighth enrolled in the state’s law enforcement academy.  But Cooper said over the recent holidays, the force had been reduced to just five officers – after the resignations of the chief and another officer.  Cooper urged city council last night to contact the police chief in nearby Lavonia, Georgia to learn how that small town, having acquired a federal grant, was able to increase its force to 15.  In response, Mayor Brian Ramey acknowledged Cooper’s concerns and indicated his city will contact Lavonia.