Is it time for police protection in Berlin Twp.?

Dear Editor,

This Berliner (Twp.) resident sees contention between Almont and Almont Township over police protection and its cost. Almont Township has the fortune or misfortune of having a quality police force at its center.

Certainly Almont village has fixed costs to have its own police force; residents would not like Lapeer County Sheriffs deputies patrolling their streets and decide to pay extra for their own police.

And I do think that because of these fixed costs should enter some mutual agreement with the Township.

Even though Almont Village foots the bill, without Almont Township the Village would have more expense JUST because of fixed costs.

While the Township has no loyalty, has a police protection, wants it, millage to pay for it, but wants to get the “best for the buck”

Guess can’t blame them. Hope some common heads prevail.

We in Berlin have Capac Rd. commonly called the “Indy 500”, with occasional St. Clair County Deputies and MSP coverage.

With the speeding on Capac Rd., a patrol car would pay its own way with issued speeding tickets.

The county gives excuses, and likewise to the MSP. Berlin is at the end of the “chain”.

Berlin requested aid from Capac Police, but Capac Rd patrol is not possible. Capac does not want to overextend itself.

County Deputies mainly serve the eastern half of the county. Police response times are awful

To have St. Clair Deputies have 24/7 patrol would result in costs similar to what Almont Township pays and BIG problem: MONEY!

Berlin management desires not to tax its residents for police protection as Almont Twp. does.

Townships look to development.

Everything has a cost. What do you think? Is police protection a time that has come for Berlin?

—David Naeyaert
Allenton, MI