Good, bad or indifferent, the Clarkston Police Committee wants to hear what the city’s residents have to say about the police.
Are the taxpayers getting the service they want? What do they like about the Clarkston Police? What do they dislike? How can the city improve its police force?
The committee hopes to get answers to these questions and more at a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. Wed., April 25 at the Independence Township Fire Station, 6500 Citation Drive.
‘We were charged with getting feedback from the citizens,? said Charles Inabnit, who recently replaced former City Councilman Scott Meyland as the committee chair. ‘Obviously, there are people who are not happy with the police department, and there are people who are happy. You have to find a medium somewhere.?
Before the city can find that medium, however, most council members want to hear from the city’s residents, and have therefore charged the police services committee with gathering information and presenting the findings.
Although unavoidable personal and work-related issues of one member slowed the committee’s progress during the winter, the project is back in full swing.
Many of the city’s residents and business owners are returning questionnaires received several weeks ago, and the committee is reading and documenting results.
‘I’m rather pleased with the number of surveys we’re getting back,? Inabnit said. The council had received 113 replies by Monday.
‘I think that’s a very good response from the citizens.?
The city council agreed in October to form a committee of appointed residents after a heated mayoral campaign, which Catallo won by 31 votes.
‘The last election between Steve Wylie and Mayor (Sharron) Catallo wasn’t just about the police department,? Inabnit said. ‘But that’s the political tone that was set. It was a close race and the issue needs to be looked at.?
During his campaign, Wylie, who ran for mayor rather than seeking reelection to his council seat, publicly said the city should examine the possibility of disbanding the police department and seeking police service through the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The move, he said, would shave about $100,000 from the city’s annual budget and ultimately allow for a reduction in city taxes.
Catallo and supporters, however, contended that maintaining the police department was costly, but worthwhile.
‘I want to hear from the residents,? Inabnit said. ‘I want to hear their experiences, what they’re happy about, not happy about, what they expect.?
The committee will complie information and opinions gathered from residents and make a presentation to the city council in May. The decision to make changes or stay with the status quo will then be in the hands of the council.
E-mail the Clarkston Police Services Committee at Clarkstonpcs@ yahoo.com.