According to a chat with the Chief of Perry’s police department on January 24, Perry has four full-time officers, including himself, that provide 24/7 service - each working 12-hour shifts - along with two part-time officers who work 2 nights a week. Four years ago, they had 8 officers, but the service was an on-call basis. There have been up to 6 part-time officers recently. To upgrade, the chief would like a lieutenant at some point.
In the City Council Retreat Work Session on January 24th of this year, the Perry Police Chief said: The police department just got a new truck and has spent 57% of budget half way through this fiscal year, but is on track to be within budget. One really good officer brought in as much money in fines as the City paid him. He was not fundraising, only doing his job. Mayor Jerry Nelson responded that, “We’re not revenue driven.” Willard was referenced when the Police Chief said: “Willard is in a hard spot” as far as their police. It was mentioned that Willard is averaging $120,000 per year in fines and forfeiture.
However, there was a discussion about cooperation with Willard in judicial proceedings. The judicial council will need to approve, and a need for an inter-local agreement to formalize that kind of cooperation between the two cities. That could happen in June or July. City Attorney Duncan Murray stated that the State (of Utah) views this as a new court, and that in these cases the state and county take a cut (part of the payments). However, this should result in more clear record keeping.
As far as income-producing items, the police chief said that the new Perry Gun Range has a potential for that—especially with shooting competitions.
