Keep Vermont Safe to hold workshop on improving public safety in Vermont  

Keep Vermont Safe will hold a public workshop and panel discussion in Burlington, Vermont on Friday September 9, titled “Crime & Punishment,” to discuss the current state of public  safety in Vermont, with particular focus on identifying impediments around policing, prosecuting and  whether changes to the law should be made through the legislative process.  

In 2020 many special interest groups around the United States began advocating for criminal justice reform. The hallmark organization leading the charge was the Black Lives Matter Organization that  advocated for a “Defund The Police” Movement. The BLM movement was welcomed with open arms into many statehouses and municipalities around the United States and as a result many candidates for office also adopted similar “Defund the Police” policies. Since voting to Defund The  Police in 2020 Burlington, Vermont has seen an increase in burglaries, vehicle thefts, coordinated  retail theft groups, increased drug crimes and gun fire incidents in the city.  

This is the first in a series of three public workshops Keep Vermont Safe will host. This format will be  a panel discussion with Michael Hall, Executive Director Vermont Police Coalition, Brady Toensing, formerly United States Department of Justice, Christina Nolan, formerly United States Attorney Vermont, hosted by a moderator addressing these topics: 

> A Closer Look at Crime Statistics 

> Examining Qualified Immunity  

> Providing Law Enforcement and Prosecutors Appropriate Tools Through Legislative Action

> How Law & Order is Being Restored in Other States 

This workshop is free and open to the public, and will be held in Contois Auditorium, Burlington City  Hall, 149 Church Street, Burlington, from 6 PM to 8 PM. The event will be moderated  by Christopher-Aaron Felker and Ericka Redic of Burlington. 

To attend, register at: www.KeepVermontSafe.com.