The City of Sedan is currently considering options when it comes to the future of its police department.

 

The City Council held a special meeting on Friday evening to get input from the public. The issue is whether the City will keep its police department or disband it and rely on the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department to enforce the law in Sedan. Police Chief Kirk Richardson submitted his resignation last week along with another high ranking member of the department. Council Member Adam Clark says there was no underlying reason for either resignation other than both officers wanted to pursue other positions.

 

Clark says part of the decision on the future of the department will come down to finances.

 

However, Clark adds that money isn’t the only consideration.

 

Council Member Crystal Wade says the cost savings seems like a benefit right now, but might not look the same in the future.

 

One citizen who spoke at the meeting says Sedan needs its own police to enforce the law.

 

Chautauqua County Sheriff Richard Newby also attended the meeting. He says his department is already stretched thin.

 

Most who were present at the meeting indicated that they wanted to keep the Sedan Police Department. No action was taken and the discussion will likely continue at next week's regular council meeting.