It is understandable that there are members of the community who are concerned over a recent story appearing in the Valley News (6/4/10) entitled “Temporary Custody”. Given the information provided by the media, we understand and appreciate the public’s concerns.
The Town has, on its own initiative, asked the Vermont State Police to conduct a thorough independent investigation of this matter in order to obtain the most objective assessment of the situation. We will be undertaking our own internal investigation as well.
There is much to learn about this matter and we urge all concerned to withhold their assessment of the situation until all of the pertinent information (which is not available during any active investigation) is available.
In the meantime, it would be premature, irresponsible, and potentially unjust for the Town to respond, comment or otherwise take action in this matter without first having obtained this information.
It is now and will continue to be our goal to promote a positive and respectful relationship between our Police Department and those we serve.
We hope that the community will take comfort in our assurance of an appropriate response to this matter upon the conclusion of these inquiries.
Sincerely yours,
Ken Parker, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
Hunter F. Rieseberg
Town Manager
Hartford, Vermont