Prompted by a mother of a Bennington murder victim, the Vermont Senate Wednesday approved S.193 by a 29-1 roll call vote.
Senate approves secure facility for mentally ill suspects
Carroll: S.193 and the need for a forensic treatment facility
Our current system is also failing those in need of those mental health services, as well as the victims impacted by these cases. Individuals are often effectively warehoused in correctional settings while refusing or unable to participate in evaluations, resulting in prolonged court delays without meaningful treatment or progress toward restoration. At the same time, victims and families are forced to relive their trauma again and again through repeated postponements — often stretching on for years with no resolution in sight. This ongoing cycle is not only ineffective, it is deeply harmful — to the individual, to the courts, to public safety, and to the victims who are left waiting for accountability and closure.
Former Burlington City Councilor running for State’s Attorney against Sarah George
Franklin County State’s Attorney and Burlington resident Bram Kranichfeld announced Monday, March 30, that he will challenge incumbent Sarah George in the Democratic primary for Chittenden County State’s Attorney.
BREAKING: Chittenden Sheriff seeks re-election
The 45-year law enforcement veteran leads one of the busiest and most diverse agencies in the state.
Kranichfeld won’t run in Franklin County
May run for Chittenden County State’s Attorney
Chief Swanson demotion hearing shrouded in secrecy
Ground rules are out for hearing; Trustees plan to keep decision a secret
Williston Police Chief Patrick Foley will retire this summer
Williston Police Chief Patrick T. Foley, a familiar face in the community, said Wednesday that he plans to retire on July 10.
Testimony spotlights hurdles — and hope — in Vermont’s high-risk pretrial program
The House Committee on Judiciary on Thursday discussed pretrial supervision as a way to reduce criminal court backlogs, recidivism, and catch and release policies.
BREAKING: Two Chittenden County towns name permanent police chiefs
Two Chittenden County communities – Hinesburg and Shelburne — have new permanent police chiefs.
Sources: Sheriff Palmer admitted to hospital
The move came as Palmer is under fire on several fronts recently, including in Vermont Superior Court, where he denied seven criminal charges last week.
Vermont rejects police chase limits: Letting suspects escape could be more dangerous
The Council’s deliberations occurred against a backdrop of deteriorating roadway safety conditions as speed-related fatalities increased 50% between 2023 and 2024.
Vermont State Police arrest Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer
Palmer, a Democrat, upset longtime Windsor County Sheriff D. Michael Chamberlain, a Republican, during the General Election in November 2022 and was sworn in Feb. 1, 2023.
Scott, other GOP leaders join condemnation of Pretti shooting
One widely shared account suggests that during the struggle, one or more ICE officers shouted “gun,” prompting another officer to draw a weapon. According to this version, Pretti’s sidearm was removed by an officer who then walked away, but the weapon discharged negligently. Some commentators point to the Sig Sauer P320 handgun, which has been the subject of lawsuits and controversy over unintentional discharges, typically when dropped. The theory suggests the discharge may have led other agents to believe Pretti was firing, resulting in what they perceived as a justified use of deadly force. “If this is what happened, it’s an incredibly unfortunate accident,” one commenter wrote.
Victims of crime involving mental health demand Legislature’s help
Vermont needs a secure facility to hold people deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial for violent crime. That was one of the “asks” to lawmakers by crime victims, survivors, and advocates from across Vermont who gathered at the State House on Tuesday for the first Voices for Vermont Victims Public Hearing, urging lawmakers to enact reforms to better protect victims’ rights in cases involving mental health and forensic competency issues.
Judge reverses Village Trustees’ decision on Woodstock Chief Swanson’s demotion
A Vermont judge has reversed an April ruling by the Woodstock Village Trustees upholding the demotion of Police Chief Joe Swanson, and the case will now go back to the village board.
Berlin Police report ‘theft’ at mall
Police are looking into a light-hearted series of theft reports at the Five Below store in the Berlin Mall after officers received a second call on November 29 involving what appears to be the same mischievous suspect.
Highway surveillance cameras raise privacy concerns
As Vermont’s law enforcement agencies mark the 12th year of the state’s regulation on Automated License Plate Recognition Systems (ALPRs), members of the VDC team have highlighted the potential double-edged sword of this surveillance technology and the increasing prevalence of electronic surveillance technologies.
Fired South Burlington Police officer had 3 internal investigations
Now Vermont News First have learned that an internal review board had found Wilson guilty of violating department policies covering excessive force and “operation of vehicles,” for a Sept. 25th incident, according to his dismissal letter.
Unpaid U.S. Attorney’s Office delivered justice during shutdown
Like federal employees across the country, during the lapse in funding that began on October 1, and ended during the evening of November 12, the men and women of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont were not paid for the work they performed.
Despite new law, Vermont police get more DHS cash than ever for patrols along border
The funding flows from the federal government to Vermont’s Department of Public Safety, which then distributes it to local agencies, who then conducts patrols coordinated with the U.S. Border Patrol.
BREAKING: SBPD officer fired after Sarah George refuses to take cases
“Wilson made a patently false statement in a probable cause affidavit and neglected to include exculpatory evidence which was in the possession at the time of writing the affidavit,” George maintained in her letter.
Essex County Sheriff pushes back against Vermont immigration policy
Colby, who oversees a 10-deputy department, says the rules simply don’t work in Essex County, where federal officers are often the only backup available.
Deputy involved in Springfield shooting didn’t have commission
“Clearly, some things did not get done,” Palmer told the Standard on Tuesday afternoon, one day after the initial news report. “It’s on me, I dropped the ball.”
Vermont State Police to hold annual presentation of awards & promotions
Scheduled speakers include Gov. Phil Scott, Commissioner of Public Safety Jennifer Morrison and Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the state police. They will honor members of the agency and others for acts of heroism and community service, and recognize 23 sworn members of the state police who have received promotions since last year’s awards ceremony was held in September 2024.
Appointments for seven deputy sheriffs never filed
Deputy involved in fatal shooting among them
Shelburne Sgt. Kapitanski to close out case
The Shelburne Police officer charged with an on-duty fatal cruiser-bicycle crash last year has apparently struck a deal with the state to resolve his reckless driving case, Vermont Superior Court records show.
Police chief haircut video raising tempers in Woodstock
Last Woodstock chief demoted in part for his haircuts
Judge says Woodstock can’t name new police chief
Vermont Superior Court Judge H. Dickson Corbett ruled Friday afternoon that the five Woodstock Village Trustees — Chair Seton McIlroy, Vice Chair Jeffrey Kahn, and members Brenda Blakeman, Frank Horneck, and Lisa Lawlor — had failed to properly follow the law.
South Burlington goes out of state to pick new police chief
Dover, N.H. Police Chief William N. Breault was named as the new police chief for the city of South Burlington on Tuesday afternoon.
Quebec skipper hits Hogback Reef
A Quebec man navigating Lake Champlain struck a known reef near Sunset Island on Friday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency rescue response and the safe recovery of all four people aboard the damaged vessel.
No defense: Vermont runs out of funds for Federal public defenders
The federal judiciary has run out of money to pay for defense lawyers assigned to represent criminal defendants in Vermont.
Vermont among 20 states suing to keep Medicaid data away from ICE
The coalition is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security over HHS’s June decision to provide ICE access to Medicaid data, which the agency wants “to ensure that Medicaid benefits are reserved for individuals who are lawfully entitled to receive them.”
Leaving the dog in a hot car can lead to a $2000 fine
With the summer heat on the rise, the Berlin Police Department is urging the public to avoid leaving pets—particularly dogs—unattended in parked vehicles, warning that the practice is not only dangerous but may also lead to criminal charges under Vermont law.
Breaking: Shelburne Police Chief Mike Thomas dies
Thomas had fought a couple of courageous battles with cancer off-and-on for several years, but succumbed on Monday evening, officials said. Thomas had spent two dozen years in law enforcement, including three years as police chief in Shelburne.
White House responds to Balint’s comparing ICE agents to “vigilantes”
Balint’s remarks, delivered Wednesday during debate over immigration enforcement policy, sparked immediate backlash from the White House, with a statement calling Balint’s comments “deeply irresponsible and dangerous.”
Ex-Burlington Police Chief Murad appears to be out of the running for SB Police post
Baker said the city received 14 applications to replace Chief Shawn Burke, who resigned, effective in March, to take a two-year post as the interim police chief in Burlington.
Governor Scott’s office insists Vermont is in full compliance with federal immigration law
“Advocates with the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project said 10 construction workers were detained by ICE in Newport on Thursday,”
Gassett: Vermont’s law violations and overspending have consequences
As AG Clark and her Vermont lawyer followers publicly rallied to protest, they showed their opposition to Vermont’s responsibility to adhere to our US Constitution. This action by a US State Attorney General and more than 300 licensed lawyers defies logic, and common sense.
Woodstock Foundation lawsuit settles
The Woodstock Foundation Board of Directors have agreed to a proposed out-of-court settlement with the former longtime chair and vice chair of the board in their lawsuit over claims they were improperly removed and that the Woodstock Inn & Resort and the Billings Farm & Museum had been mismanaged.
Vermont State Police announces next round of recruiting pop-up tests
The unique tests, launched late last year, allow people with an interest in becoming a state trooper to just show up without an appointment, application or taking any prior steps.
Comment about ‘gangster’ police chief prompts DEI training in Northfield
A citizen had asked the selectboard on April 8, “Why isn’t he wearing [his uniform] so he looks like a police chief and not a gangster off the street that’s just driving our cruisers around?”
Vermont cops can’t enforce federal civil immigration law
The state board that makes and enforces policing policies today emphasized and clarified when Vermont police may and may not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Castleton constable hangs up his badge after 53 years
Silas Loomis has been the Castleton constable since Richard Nixon was in the White House.
KVS: State trooper honored with Carnegie Medal for saving girl from icy pond
According to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, the medal recognizes people who risk serious injury or death in extraordinary acts to save others.
VSP Trooper finalist for award after saving life of shooter who tried to kill him
Berlandy became involved in a pursuit and gun battle in Burke with a wanted fugitive from Rhode Island, and then provided life-saving medical care to the man who just attempted to kill him and two other troopers.
Sheriff dies from rare cancer
Hemond had been with the department for more than 19 years. He earlier served as a patrol officer with both St. Johnsbury and Lyndonville Police Departments.
Gunned down Veteran Border Patrol Agent from VT laid to rest with military honors
Besides his federal co-workers from the Green Mountain State, Maland also was honored with a delegation of troopers from the Vermont State Police led by Lt. Andy Jenson, commander at the Derby barracks.
Soulia: Manipulated crime data
The deceptive national push for “smart justice”
Lt. Allen Fortin, Vermont highway traffic safety spokesman, has died
Veteran VT police officer Allan A. Fortin, who became the leading voice and face for highway traffic safety in the state, died at his Hinesburg home Sun. at 61.
Soulia: Selective accountability: Why is VT only targeting law enforcement?
While accountability is essential, Act 124 unfairly singles out law enforcement officers while ignoring judges, attorneys, and legislators.
Duffy blocks public release of report about Woodstock Police Chief
Woodstock residents are not being permitted to read the investigative report they are paying for concerning management concerns within the village PD.
Kept from school as a girl, new district officer Saja Almogalli fights for Winooski students
Winooski is the only majority-minority school district in Vermont, and its students come from more than two dozen countries.
‘No confidence’ vote for police chief prompts hire of private detective
According to the contract with the town, the investigator has been asked to investigate employee concerns based on town policies and procedures.
Woodstock petitioners want answers on why Chief Swanson remains on leave
Citizens question how Municipal Manager Eric Duffy has handled the paid administrative leave he ordered for Police Chief Joseph Swanson in October.
ACLU suing Northeast Kingdom sheriff for records of him talking with ICE
“Colby said he would likely call immigration authorities after a traffic stop if he thought the people in the car were undocumented….Colby estimated his department had relayed about 20 cases to immigration authorities in the last year, not a particularly high figure in his mind,” the news story said.
No third trial for Sheriff Grismore
DiSabito said he has decided to dismiss the criminal charge that Grismore, while a deputy, kicked an intoxicated, unruly prisoner in the groin in August 2022
Koch: Catch and release needs to end
The revolving doors of the justice system have the citizens and the police frustrated, and I would bet that the judges don’t like it much better, but they are constrained by the law—namely, the Vermont Constitution.
DMV launches program to assist drivers on Autism Spectrum
DMV has launched the Blue Envelope Program for Vermont drivers on the autism spectrum to make routine traffic stop interactions easier, safer, less stressful.
Frustration and exhaustion shared at public meeting with Burlington Police
BPD and the public met at City Hall on Thursday afternoon to share information and solutions regarding how to curb increased crimes in The Queen City.
Elderly woman’s disappearance suspicious, police say
Detectives from the Major Crime Unit and Bureau of Criminal Investigations are actively conducting interviews and gathering evidence.
Former state trooper decertified
The Council’s decision to decertify Gauthier underscores the importance of integrity and accountability within law enforcement.
Trial for Franklin County Sheriff Grismore starts this month
Grand Isle Sheriff goes into the community to find more local residents to help fill the jury box after running out of people.
DMV official is put back to work after FBI investigates
There was no basis for any charges or actions against Wade Cochran of Waterford, Agency of Transportation Secretary Joe Flynn said.
EXCLUSIVE: Police solve cold case and continue investigating police-shooting of civilian
A human skull discovered four years ago may have helped at least partially solve a decade-plus old mystery.
Vermont pays $175,000 to alleged police harassment victim
Gregory Bombard flipped off a State Trooper in 2018, was arrested, and claims to have suffered from retaliation since. VSP declines to confirm or deny.
Schulz: Memo to anti-cop politicians
In New York City and beyond, some public officials need a refresher on the sacrifices police make for public safety.
Law enforcement to expand targeting of dangerous driving
SHARP is continuing its Route 105 pilot enforcement program and expanding it to include the Chimney Corners area.
House Candidate engaging with law enforcement while campaigning
A candidate for Vermont House Bruce Roy of Williston is running as a Republican for the Chittenden County Southeast District.
Burlington Police dealing with “more incidents than at any point in half a decade”
KeepVermontSafe.com tracks the work of law enforcement across Vermont. A recent report focuses on Burlington’s continued struggle to staff the BPD following the 2020 defunding initiative.
Chaotic night stretches Burlington Police resources thin
Lack of staffing led to Burlington PD almost being overwhelmed last night in a flurry of mayhem.
BSD and BPD joint statement regarding incident in YES Program
Friday, BPD and representatives met with the students impacted by this situation for a restorative circle.
State Police weigh in on 1982 Baby Doe death
On April 1, 1982, children waiting for a school bus on Mill Hill Road (now known as Gillespie Road) in Northfield located a deceased infant just off the roadway….
Klar: Police forces finally see a post-Floyd rebound
Hiring increases reported for first time since 2020.
STIMSON: Rogue prosecutors and the rise of crime
What happens when district attorneys — members of their states’ executive branches — refuse to execute the laws of the land?
Bill would put speed cameras in work zones
If cameras catch you driving more than 10 mph over the limit, the rig takes a photo of your license plate and you’ll get a ticket in the mail.
Senate bill targeting drug dealers would delay ‘raise the age’ law
The bill would hold drug sellers responsible for deaths caused by their distribution of laced drugs, even if doing so was down to mere carelessness.
Police interrogation bill faces veto risk
The bill would limit Vermont police interrogators from lying to detainees. But lawmakers doubled down on details that got last year’s version shot down.
Burlington mayor: “I knew it was trouble” when Council defunded police in 2020
The mayor has always maintained that he was against the policy from the start.
Correction: Underage Vermonters buying alcohol online
Vermont’s legal online sales of beer and wine is being used for the purchase of alcohol by minors.
Bill aims to simplify workers’ comp process for prison, psych employees with PTSD
H.297 expands presumption of work-related PTSD.
Loggers are backing a Vermont bill to crack down on timber thieves
If a business is culpable, H.614 allows police to seize any equipment it used for illegal activity.
State Trooper Michelle Archer selected as finalist for prestigious national award
Trooper Michelle Archer has been selected as a finalist for the International Association of Chiefs of Police / Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year Award.
LaMarche: The new digital highwaymen
Supposedly ‘equity’ minded lawmakers want to cover Vermont highways with traffic cameras that elsewhere have led to ‘disproportionate’ traffic ticketing for minorities.
DMV official put on leave while FBI investigates
Wade Cochran, director of the enforcement and safety division at the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, has been placed on paid leave pending an unspecified Federal investigation.
Staffing challenges persist for Sheriff’s Departments after pay cut by lawmakers
The Vermont Sheriffs’ Association held a press conference on Monday at the State House to call for the resignation of Franklin County Sherriff John Grismore regarding a use-of-force incident.
Budget cut ‘akin to defunding’ county sheriff
Cutting funding for clerks is akin to defunding the already understaffed, hard-pressed Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
