Kimmswick, Jefferson County, Missouri: City Council Votes to Disband Police Department, Sheriff's Office to Take Over Law Enforcement
The city council of Kimmswick, the historic river town in Missouri, has voted to disband its police department, with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office to take over primary law enforcement in the city. According to a November 12 report in the Jefferson Review, Mayor Ken Craft explained at the meeting that after Police Chief Steve Devore retired and another officer left, keeping a city force had become difficult in staffing and funding.
The resolution adopted by the council formally abolishes the existing police department and authorizes the Sheriff's Office to handle criminal calls and investigations in the city. The city attorney explained that Missouri law allows municipalities to contract with other public agencies for law enforcement services, but that the final written agreement with the Sheriff's Office is not yet complete; asked when it takes effect, residents were told the transition would begin the next day. The resolution also notes that extra security for large events such as the Apple Butter Festival and Christmas celebrations must be arranged separately and paid for by the city.
Kimmswick draws visitors with its festivals, and the city said it will ensure public safety services continue without interruption.
Source: The Jefferson Review
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：密苏里州金姆斯威克小镇。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons，Paul Sableman 摄，CC BY 2.0。 Image: Kimmswick, Missouri. Source: Wikimedia Commons, photo by Paul Sableman, CC BY 2.0.
