And if we had our own Police Department and an emergency came up, they'd be there a lot quicker than the Sheriff's Department would be. There might even be another benefit. Wood River has had a contract with the Sheriff's Department since 1997. Before that, the city had its own Police Department, but city officials found it difficult to recruit, train and retain qualified officers. Under the contract with the Sheriff's Department, the city provides the old Police Department building as a sheriff's substation, along with all office amenities, including desks, phone and fax service.
Hall County upgrades equipment as necessary, and an inventory is kept of all equipment purchased.
If the city or the Sheriff's Department decides to terminate the contract, the city has the option of purchasing the equipment. The issue of reviving the Police Department was discussed at an October city council meeting at which city officials voted to renew the contract. But Webster, who defeated incumbent Mayor Herb Bonsack in the November election, said he has heard from many residents who would like to see the city re-establish the Police Department. He said the plan is viable and points to communities such as Shelton, just seven miles down the road, and Ravenna, where successful police departments have been in operation for many years. The Ravenna Police Department has three officers, including the police chief.