Employers in New England, particularly in Burlington, Vermont, are reportedly facing significant stress as crime rates rise in the downtown area. This situation could pose challenges not just for local businesses, but also for parents of college students and visitors enjoying the fall foliage.
Officials from the University of Vermont have acknowledged the need for a new approach to tackle downtown crime, where business owners are increasingly worried about issues like graffiti, shoplifting, and open drug use. Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak noted that while there aren’t any easy fixes, a stronger police presence might not necessarily yield positive results, as reported by local news.
Conversely, Jimmy Bardare, an aide to the Rutland County Sheriff’s Office—roughly 65 miles from Burlington—suggested that the mayor reconsider her viewpoint. He believes that having police around can indeed act as a crime deterrent, reinforcing the idea that visible law enforcement presence can help maintain safety.
Bardare remarked, “I think having officers nearby is one of the best ways to prevent crime. Their visibility is crucial.” He believes that the mayor should see a more robust police presence as a legitimate option for public safety.
He also pointed out that when officers engage with locals—whether in stores or at gas stations—they foster trust. This relationship might encourage the public to voice their concerns more freely, enabling law enforcement to tackle issues more effectively.
In May, over 170 businesses in Burlington signed an open letter to city officials, urging decisive action against what they described as a growing crisis downtown. They called for a comprehensive strategy towards public safety, emphasizing their sense of urgency during that period.
As one local business representative put it, “It was always a little edgy, but lately it’s taken a turn towards being kind of scary, and we really need to make improvements.”
As of late August, Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak reported that officers have started taking walks through the central City Hall Park area and are looking to collaborate with state officials to enhance safety efforts.
Interim Police Chief Sean Burke conveyed hope for a more restorative approach, suggesting that merely relying on arrests wouldn’t solve the ongoing issues faced by the community. He seems to recognize, perhaps intuitively, that systemic problems require more than just enforcement to address.
Despite ongoing challenges, Bardare expressed a desire for tourists to feel secure while visiting Vermont, emphasizing the beauty of the area. He reassured that first responders across the state are equipped and dedicated to maintaining community safety, and hopes to maintain communication between local residents and their elected officials.
As of now, responses from Mulvaney-Stanak and the Burlington Police Department have not yet been received regarding these ongoing discussions and concerns.
