In an effort to improve the quality of life, the Independence Township Board approved the money to hire two new patrol investigators.
The new employees will be focused on controlling crimes such as vandalism and neighborhood speeding.
‘It is my belief that this is what people want,? Lieutenant Dale LaBair said in a presentation to the township board.
‘This deals with the quality of life in the township. By making this commitment we can make significant headway into reducing these problems.?
The patrol investigator position provides for an equipped vehicle for each position which would allow the department to assign them to simultaneous duties. LaBair proposed to initially assign the officers to afternoon/early PM shift.
The board plans for the new employees to work closely with neighborhood watch and other residential groups.
‘This program will make an impact because we will have a strong force out in the community. People will know we are paying attention to these types of crimes,? Independence Township Supervisor Dale Stuart said.
The cost to the township will be $98,548 to hire the two new employees. This is an increase of $4,555 from the original plan to hire two Deputy II no fill employees because each will have a patrol car.
Independence Township Treasurer Jim Wenger made the point the money would come from property taxes collected for police and fire protection and not the general fund.
‘We might unintentionally be sending a mixed message when we keep talking about budget cuts from Lansing and then the residents see us hiring more police,? Wenger said. ‘The difference is where the money is coming from.?
Clerk Joan McCrary wanted to make sure the new cops were not just spending their time in neighborhoods but also patrolling some of the rural areas of the township.
‘This also frees up some other officers to focus on other problems,? LaBair said.
The board approved a five-year contract for law enforcement services to continue being provided by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.
The contract is $3.07 million for 2004.