By Valentina Czochanski | Community News Service
In the wake of national protests calling to defund the police following the murder of George Floyd, Hinesburg will increase the town police budget, with the selectboard voting to hire another full-time police officer using town funds and a federal grant.
Selectboard members have expressed their support for their police department, but questioned the sudden need for a new officer. The decision also prompted the resignation of a selectboard member following disagreements among board members about the SRO position and racial equity in the town.
As the town continued with plans to expand the police department, students at CVU who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color expressed their fear of and discomfort with police presence.