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Sheriff offers extra patrol hours and town approves mobile data terminal as debate over local police continues
Summary
At a Sept. 18 special meeting, Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn described recent criminal activity in Byron and offered extra deputy hours at $72 per hour; the council approved a roughly $200 mobile data terminal so deputies can file citations remotely and discussed steps the town can take to increase enforcement presence.
At a Sept. 18 special meeting in Byron Town Hall, Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn briefed the Byron Town Council on recent criminal activity in the town and described ways the sheriff's office has been assisting local residents. Blackburn told the council deputies could add patrol hours for Byron for an additional $72 per hour and asked the town to identify "targeted times of high traffic" for scheduling extra coverage.
The discussion turned to what would happen if Byron hired its own police officer. Councilwoman Karma Sanders asked whether the county would continue assisting the town if a municipal officer were hired. Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn responded, "then we are out," saying the sheriff's office would generally turn over local problems to a Town Police Officer while retaining responsibility for crimes against persons and adding that the change would be "not a divorce."
Richard Horton, a member of the public, said he and others want a stronger police presence on Main Street to address traffic violations. Public Works Director Jacob Gruell asked what the town could do to help the sheriff's office. Blackburn recommended forming a community watch, installing cameras, asking the nearby town of Lovell to assist with animal-control issues, and establishing a community service officer to handle town code violations.
During the meeting Sheriff Blackburn also asked whether the council would consider purchasing a secure mobile data terminal so Deputy Keri Angell could report citations remotely from Byron. Councilwoman Karma Sanders moved to buy a secure network mobile data terminal box from the sheriff's office at an estimated cost of $200; Councilman Brandon Hessenthaler seconded. The motion passed with all council members present voting in favor (unanimous among those present).
The council thanked the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office for its ongoing assistance and affirmed continued cooperation between town and county law enforcement. The meeting adjourned following approval of the mobile data terminal purchase. The minutes are listed as pending approval.
