The Washington County Sheriff's Department was very productive throughout the County during fiscal year 2008.  In addition to transporting prisoners, mental health patients, juveniles and serving civil process, we made a valid effort in keeping our highways and roadways a safer place. The Sheriff's Department is able to assist in highway safety through the nine (9) patrol contracts with towns within the County and though Grant Funding from Governor Highway Safety for DUI and SHARP (Safe Highway Accident Reduction Patrol).  During fiscal year 2008, apart of the 317 incidents we took part in, the Sheriff's Department issued 2,289 Vermont Traffic Citations, arrested 57 persons for DUI, 29 persons for driving with a criminally suspended license, 15 persons on arrest warrants and organized a County wide Arrest Warrant Sweep.

In the past fiscal year we continue reaching out to the community by offering a Hunter Safety class at the East Montpelier Elementary School, giving presentations at several Drivers Education Classes, providing demonstrations of the "rollover convincer" (a seat belt usage demonstrator) at many community events and handing out over 2,000 candy canes prior to the Christmas Holidays, reminding people to drive safely.  This year the Sheriff's Department was recognized by placing 3rd in the Vermont Law Enforcement Challenge (Sheriff's Division), for our efforts in Highway Safety.

During the 07/08 fiscal year the Washington County Sheriff's Department was contracted by the Town of Waitsfield to provide motor vehicle patrol, for which we patrolled approximately 299 hours.  During these patrols we provide motor vehicle enforcement, preventive patrols to deter offenses and have an agreement with the Vermont State Police to be first responders to calls as requested if we are patrolling the town at the time of the complaint - this allows quicker law enforcement response to serious complaints.

In the course of our patrols many vehicles are stopped and at times warnings are given.  The following Vermont Traffic Complaints were written by the Washington County Sheriff's Department while on patrol: (does not include warnings).

Nine arrests were made for a person driving while under the influence, as well as one arrest for assault on a police officer.

The Washington County Sheriff's Department will continue to work to keep your community a safe place to live.

Professionally,

W. Samuel Hill
Sheriff