Trooper briefing: staffing improving; police‑embedded social worker highlights crisis diversion work

The Selectboard heard a detailed public‑safety briefing from regional agency staff about staffing levels, response priorities and community outreach. The presenter described current barracks staffing (full complement 18, presently about 13 on duty with an expected increase) and noted past attrition; he urged communication between towns and troopers about local problem properties and speeding hot spots.

The board also heard from an embedded social worker who said her work focuses on building rapport, connecting residents with mental‑health agencies and preventing escalation. “The last thing we wanna do, is any level of force with someone that is already going through something very traumatic,” the agency official said while explaining why the team aims to respond with alternatives to arrest where appropriate. The social worker described partnerships with local crisis teams and told the board how early intervention can reduce repeated emergency responses.

The presentation included an offer to share contact numbers and to coordinate tabletop exercises for the county fair and other large events. Board members thanked the presenters and asked staff to post a public safety tab with contact info on the town website.