The city of Thompson is poised to enhance its law enforcement capabilities by potentially entering into a contract with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office. This decision will be contingent upon approval from the Thompson City Council during a meeting scheduled for January 5, 2024. The move follows the departure of former police chief David Kurtz, who left to take a position with the University of North Dakota Police Department in October.
Mayor Jeremy Hughes indicated that the city is exploring various options for policing services and sees collaboration with the sheriff’s office as a beneficial path forward. “Going with the county just gives us more widespread coverage, more access to, obviously, the Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office and those kinds of things in case some things come up where we need them,” Hughes explained.
Contract Details and Implications
If the council approves the contract, the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office will assign a deputy to patrol Thompson exclusively. This initiative mirrors existing agreements the sheriff’s office has with the cities of Larimore and Northwood, where deputies are dedicated solely to those communities. Sheriff Andy Schneider emphasized that these deputies are primarily responsible for their designated cities and would not typically respond to calls outside those areas unless circumstances require it.
In terms of training, the sheriff’s office will provide necessary instruction for the new deputy, while the financial costs associated with this arrangement will be borne by the city of Thompson. Hughes noted that this partnership could significantly enhance local law enforcement capabilities, particularly regarding municipal ordinance enforcement.
“Having a deputy, a contract deputy, sworn into those cities allows them to be able to still have ordinances enforced,” Schneider stated. He highlighted that without a dedicated officer, certain local laws, like leash ordinances, fall outside the sheriff’s jurisdiction.
Community Support and Future Prospects
The prospect of having a deputy assigned to Thompson has garnered positive feedback from local leaders. Hughes remarked that access to ordinance enforcement capabilities would be “a huge benefit” for the city. He expressed optimism about forming a productive relationship with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office, stating, “We’re just looking forward to a new connection and another partner that we’ll work together with, hopefully for the betterment of Thompson.”
The upcoming council meeting is expected to draw significant attention as community members await the decision that could reshape policing in Thompson. If approved, this contract may set a precedent for future collaborations between small municipalities and county law enforcement, aiming to improve safety and community engagement.
