NORMAN PARK — The Norman Park City Council is in the process of deciding whether to continue to have a police department.
Norman Park Mayor Sandy Hurst said no decision has been made about whether to keep the police department or not. The council is looking into different options, but it was not known when a decision may be made.
The Norman Park Police Department employed two officers, and Hurst said both left the department of their own free will. Sgt. Sam Smith left the department in August, and Chief Shane Fulford left in September to become police chief in Doerun. She said she believes they left to pursue better pay and more benefits rather than any type of disagreement with city officials.
“There were no hard feelings of any kind,” Hurst said.
To help protect the residents of Norman Park, Hurst said she has asked the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office to assist until a decision is made. Deputies patrol the city throughout the day and help out with crossing guard duty at Norman Park Elementary School.
Colquitt County Sheriff Al Whittington said he told the Norman Park council he would beef up patrol there to help out, but he could not leave a deputy there on a constant basis. Deputy patrol in Norman Park would be the same as other unincorporated areas or like municipalities that do not have a police department, such as Funston and Ellenton, he said.
“I told them we would help them out all we could,” Whittington said. “We would be seen and ride through as much as we can.”
Hurst said residents have been giving council members their thoughts about keeping a police department or disbanding it. The council will be meeting at some point to discuss whether they want to keep a department or not.
Keeping a department would be costly, as Hurst said about three-fourth’s of the city’s annual budget goes to the police department. With the vacancies, however, the city has been receiving applications for people wanting to join the police department there.
Local News
Deputies fill gap as Norman Park loses its police
- Local News
-
-
First Avenue bridge open
-
2 candidates qualify for sheriff, District 2 county commissioner
The first day of qualifying set up two contested races in Colquitt County, but voters won’t decide on them until November. Qualifying, which began Wednesday, will continue through noon Friday.
-
Thieves make off with thousands of dollars in jewelry
Several thefts reported to the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office recently add up to thousands of dollars in loot, including a theft of jewelry estimated at almost $14,000.
-
Hail falls in Omega
- Your agenda 5/24/12
-
Judge denies motions
The judge in the trial of five alleged gang members slapped down various defense attorneys’ requests Tuesday, including one to declare mistrials for some of the defendants.
-
Reed Bingham to open new pier, bridge in time for summer
A new fishing pier, bridge and trails are just some of the improved amenities that Reed Bingham State Park is offering its visitors this summer. During the past year, park staff and volunteers have been hard at work to make sure that south Georgians have a great place to spend their weekends and staycations, according to park officials.
-
Tax refund scheme busted in prison
Five South Geogia men, including two who were operating within a prison, have been variously sentenced from 2 1/2 to 8 1/2 years for filing fraudulent federal tax refunds.
- Your agenda 5/23/12
-
Gang trial under way
The prosecution in the trial of five alleged gang members began making its case Monday as it introduced into evidence a pistol linked to the shooting of two men.
- More Local News Headlines
-
FAMU Bandmates: Victim Volunteered to Be Hazed
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
HP to Cut 27,000 Jobs, Save Up to $3.5B
Inquiry Hears Wider Secret Service Misbehavior
Md. 911 Dispatcher Caught Sleeping on Job
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Iowa Man With Zebra, Parrot in Truck Gets DUI
Egyptians Pick New President in Free Election
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
Cuba Waiting for Cyber Age to Come
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
