Police chiefs in this county have undergone criticism of one kind or another. Now, Stanfield's chief has resigned, prompting some council members to consider alternatives to operating a department. We have long advocated that small towns dissolve their police departments and turn over police work to the Sheriff's Department. These towns spend half or more of their annual budgets on policing. They have more important matters to deal with and policing, as important as it is, should be left to a larger agency.
Union County has almost three times our population.
There are some 12 municipalities, but only Monroe and Waxhaw have police departments. Indian Trail has a huge amount of business and housing and, so far, it contracts with the Union Sheriff's Department. Mint Hill, a town of over 15,000 people, has no police department, but contracts with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Department for protection. Charlotte has placed a regional station in downtown Mint Hill and operates some 80 officers out of it, covering eastern Mecklenburg. Before the Stanfield council acts on Locust's offer, it should talk with Sheriff Tony Frick and see what he can offer, at perhaps a savings.