Select Board discusses police staffing shortage, recruitment strategy.

Select Board · Meeting of March 13, 2026

Egremont Select Board tackles police understaffing with recruitment overhaul. Chairwoman Lucinda Fenn-Vermeulen and the board heard from Police Chief Jason LaForest and officers about the challenges of a four-officer shortage, including officers working alone during day shifts. The board discussed hiring part-time officers, sending officers to the academy, and offering sign-on bonuses, but noted budget constraints.

Personnel Director Cara Becker will develop month-to-month scheduling solutions at a follow-up meeting, and the police officer job ad will be revised and resubmitted to the Shopper's Guide.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 13, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.