Mayor Urged to Control Police Chief’s Statements
Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George has been advocating for stronger city oversight of police communications, particularly in response to Chief Jon Murad’s recent statements about Michael Reynolds. The emails obtained in a records request reveal a push from George to have the city’s police chief fall in line with her office’s directives for press releases. The controversy surrounding this issue has intensified in the days leading up to Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak’s mandate that all police press releases undergo her approval.
George’s Critique of Murad’s Statements
The crux of the issue stems from George’s dissatisfaction with Murad’s public comments about Reynolds, a Burlington man with a history of repeated interactions with law enforcement. Murad’s suggestion to prosecute Reynolds under the habitual offender statute did not sit well with George, who deemed the chief’s statements as unnecessary, performative, and legally inaccurate. Furthermore, she expressed concerns about the impact of the police department’s handling of repeat offenders like Reynolds on the community.
Attempts to Address the Issue
Despite George’s efforts to engage in dialogue with Murad, the state’s attorney found their discussions unproductive. She reiterated the need for tighter control over the content of police press releases to prevent further escalation of the situation. In response, Mulvaney-Stanak issued an executive order to regulate the tone and content of future press releases from the Burlington Police Department.
Impact on Community Relations
The ongoing disagreement between George and Murad underscores a broader need for improved communication and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the local community. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, the mayor’s office seeks to strike a balance between transparency and professionalism in public statements related to law enforcement matters. By addressing the underlying concerns raised by George, the city aims to foster a safer and more cohesive environment for all residents.
