Police report shows jump in DUI arrests and high public approval in Q1

The chief highlighted enforcement, staffing and public-feedback metrics at the April Police Commission meeting.

Chief Marla told commissioners that DUI arrests rose from 7 in the comparable prior period to 18 this month, and that Q1 2026 community feedback recorded 91% positive views of the Bristol Police Department after interactions — exceeding Axon’s cited national average of 82%.

Marla said the department is focusing enforcement on impaired driving and traffic offenses; the top public concerns reported in the quarter were traffic offenses, homelessness and drug use/sales. She also reported seven current vacancies, five officers currently injured with two expected to return to full duty by April, and that the department has exhausted its certified hiring list and scheduled tentative entry-level testing for mid-May. Next academy classes are planned for July and October but requested seats have not yet been approved.

The chief said the department has posted multiple public reports on its website — including internal-affairs reports, community wellness reports, calls for service, warrant service and traffic reports — with records going back to 2021. She also noted the department’s participation in the 2026 Torch Run scheduled for June 4 and encouraged commissioner participation.

A commissioner asked about the posted speed limit on Round Hill Road; Chief Marla said the omission in the written report was an oversight and she would ensure the posted limit is noted in future reports. Commissioners also discussed nine still-open serious or fatal traffic investigations; Marla explained external dependencies such as toxicology results and search-warrant processes frequently delay final closure.