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Prospect residents describe early-morning home intrusion; council confirms one funded officer vacancy
Summary
Two residents told the Prospect City Council on Aug. 13 about a suspected stolen-vehicle break-in and rising safety concerns; council members and staff said one part-time officer position is funded but not yet filled and offered follow-up meetings with police leadership.
PROSPECT — At a special Prospect City Council meeting on Aug. 13, a resident described a pre-dawn incident at his home that left him feeling less safe, and another resident asked why the council had voted down additional policing funding earlier this year.
Mark Duke, an eight-year Prospect resident, told the council he was awakened at about 5:30 a.m. in May when his wife discovered five people at the property. "There was 5 people that came to my house at 05:30 uninvited," Duke said. "Three of them were in my garage. My garage door was open. Two of them were in my truck." He said the group wore black clothing and COVID-style masks and that the police later told him the vehicle was stolen.
Duke said the incident has changed how he and his family feel about safety: "We are not as feel as safe as we used to," he said, and described steps he has taken, including firearm training and adding cameras to the property.
Caroline Cameron, who said she lives at 12024 Charlock, asked the council about prior discussion of hiring an additional police position. She said she recalled a June meeting where council members debated whether to fund another policing position and that many residents she spoke with believe Prospect needs more officers.
The mayor and city staff responded that one part-time police position is currently funded but has not been filled. The mayor said the department had increased salaries in the past to fill vacancies and that staff are actively recruiting for the funded position. The mayor offered to meet with residents, the chief and the assistant chief to discuss safety concerns and to schedule further meetings for neighbors who want more discussion.
There were no council votes or ordinance actions taken during the citizen-comment portion of the meeting; the council directed residents to arrange follow-up meetings with police leadership.
