BARRY TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - The police chief of a small western Michigan community faces a performance review following requests by residents to have him fired.
Police Chief Victor Pierce has faced criticism for appointing dozens of reserve officers and acquiring armored vehicles in an aggressive law enforcement push. Theft and burglary have historically been the most serious crimes in Barry Township, which has a population of 3,900 people.
Pierce says that a show of force is necessary in small communities that believe they’re immune to violence.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports (https://bcene.ws/1seB2cP ) the township board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday at Delton Kellogg High School for the review.
Most of the 34 reserve officers are from outside Barry Township, 50 miles southeast of Grand Rapids in Barry County.
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Information from: Battle Creek Enquirer, https://www.battlecreekenquirer.com
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