After a couple of strange incidents downtown over the weekend – someone fired multiple shots from a BB gun (or something similar) at Brown’s Hardware’s windows, and the glass door at A&J’s Hunting-n-Fishing was smashed  – the town’s police department has been in the spotlight. So the Paw took the opportunity to ask Police Chief Pat Preslar some questions related to his department and how safe citizens should feel. Here are his answers: 

• Are you full-time?

Yes.

• How many full-time and part-time officers do you have on staff?

We are allotted seven full-time employees including the chief of police and two supervisors. We currently have six positions filled and we are interviewing applicants for the vacant patrol officer position. Our reserve staff is currently eight officers.

• Are town policemen on duty 24/7?

Yes. Officers work 12-hour shifts with supervisors working a split shift of varying hours. Our reserve staff provides additional support on weekends and special events, e.g. festivals, parades.

• What would be the process/finances involved in hiring additional officers?

A full-time employee being compensated $32,000 actually costs the town $47,467 after considering the cost for taxes, retirement, insurance, etc. It’s important to note that this does not include equipment for specialized positions, like a police officer. A new police officer requires at least an additional $2,300 for uniforms, sidearm, personal protective equipment, ballistic vests and more. We often try to use equipment we have in our inventory, but a new position may also require other equipment, such as an additional radio, body camera or patrol vehicle for the department to equip that officer on the road. For perspective, each cent on the town’s $0.57 property tax rate brings in less than $8,000 in revenue. That means we would have to raise taxes at least 6 cents to add a new position.

• Has the town taken additional precautions after the recent incidents at Brown’s Hardware and A&J’s Hunting-n-Fishing?

Yes. Walk and check doors regularly. We have hosted workshops on retail businesses and  crime prevention. It’s important to note that in other cases of crime downtown – for example an incident at Food King this past January – an audible alarm and the presence of security cameras were instrumental in solving the case. Our mission is to be a resource for the community, but we also need help from the community to effectively enforce the law.

• How many security cameras does the town currently operate, and where, and are there plans to install additional cameras, and where would they go?

The town currently has multiple cameras at the fire department and police department. Plans are in progress to install additional cameras at other town-owned facilities including Town Hall, Public Works and Stanback Park.

• What’s the one best thing a business owner can do to protect his or her business?

Some type of electronic security measure that will alert the business owner and/or law enforcement of an unlawful entry. A camera system with motion alerts or an entry alarm with glass break sensors, an audible alarm and a remote alert feature.

• Any additional thoughts on how safe the people and business owners of Mt. Gilead should feel?

Absolutely safe. Lowest crime rates in comparable communities. We are always prepared to respond and assist our business owners when needed. We will also conduct business safety audits and reviews and make recommendations on ways to make your business more secure.