While neighboring towns rely on their own local departments to handle emergencies and conduct everyday patrols, Amherst stands out for a different reason: it doesn’t have one.
According to Portage County Sheriff Michael Lukas, “It is up to the Village of Amherst if they want a separate municipal police department.” As of now, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction over the whole county, including the Village of Amherst, Plover, and Stevens Point.
The main argument for having a local department is quicker response times when civilians are in trouble. If Amherst had its own department, residents could benefit from faster emergency services and might feel a greater sense of security. However, as Sheriff Lukas also points out, the greater potential “cost to the Amherst community in their taxes to fund the municipal police department.”
Lukas remains “in favor” of additional officers supported by the local community, but are the people of Amherst willing to pay more taxes to have their own local department?
The main argument against the creation of a local department is the increased cost to taxpayers. This does not mean, however, that Portage County isn’t trying to prevent crime before it occurs: “I do have two dedicated community deputies that have hours in the village once a week to talk with residents, see the problems, and try to solve things before laws are broken,” said Lukas. Currently, there are two officers who are typically in the Amherst area once a week.
The average response time in Amherst is fairly swift. The sheriff has stated that response times are “usually within 10 minutes.” In some cases, it may be even faster due to deputies using take-home squad cars. Still, some residents believe that a local department could provide a stronger and more consistent law enforcement presence.
Crime concerns in Amherst also play a role in this debate. Burglary and property damage are the most common crimes committed. There are also many complaints about driving behavior, including incidents of driving under the influence. These concerns highlight a potential need for increased law enforcement in Amherst. Perhaps with a local department, these crimes could decrease over the next few years.
Ultimately, a local department could help reduce crime and make our town safer but the cost of starting and maintaining such a department is a major hurdle. The current arrangement with the Sheriff’s Office allows for some coverage without the financial burden of a full department. But is this arrangement enough to meet the needs of the community? Time will tell.
