BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – What’s next for the Queen City now that Burlington’s top cop is stepping down? This week’s announcement that Chief Jon Murad would not seek reappointment next year comes as the department faces steep challenges including an ongoing public safety crisis, a shortage of officers, and low morale among those who are still there.
After more than four years as chief, Jon Murad announced Monday he would step down by April at the latest. Now, the work begins for another leader of a department that’s trying desperately to rebuild.
Murad took over during a time of upheaval, including racial unrest in the city in the immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s murder and anger over BPD officers’ use of force. Shortly after, the Progressive majority on the City Council voted to reduce the police department by 30 percent through attrition, which led to an immediate exodus of officers and a spike in gun violence.
“We want to see a chief process that’s fair and equitable and brings us the best candidate possible, not somebody that has an agenda. Somebody who wants to fix and rebuild this department, continuing on with the previous chief’s work,” said Joe Corrow, president of the Burlington Police Officers’ Association.
Officers have complained for years about low morale and Corrow says community support — and the city government support — will be essential in getting more officers and a new chief. “We know that recruits are concerned about coming here and working for this department because they’re scared that they won’t have the support of the public and city administration,” Corrow said.
City Councilor Melo Grant, P-Central, served on the Police Commission before becoming joining the council. She’s hoping a new chief will listen and partner with the community, recognizing how policing has changed and can acknowledge there’s some distrust in the department. “It’s a challenge to come into our police department right now, and I believe that there are people out there that can rise to this challenge and would like that challenge,” she said.
Melo also says a new chief needs to use social media and technology to help the department better communicate with all members of the greater community. “I believe that there are people there who do recognize changes that are needed in policing, and they can have an opportunity to come here and already be part of a community safety system that is diversifying,” she said.
The mayor’s office says it will still be several weeks before they provide details on the next steps in the search for a new chief.