BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Burlington Police Thursday recognized new hires at a swearing-in ceremony.
New community support liaisons and community service officers took their oaths of office. The unarmed officers can respond to low-level calls for issues like ordinance violations, animal control, or minor car crashes. They can also be called to assist with overdoses, the homeless, or other mental health calls.
“Working with folks that are struggling is really just the nature of why we do what we do,” said BPD’s Lacey Smith.
“Meeting people, just being out in the community and meeting the variety of people that make up Burlington,” said Jon Michael Mitchell, a new community support liaison.
There was only one new police officer recruit recognized. They will begin the police academy in the upcoming class.