The city of Thompson, North Dakota, is evaluating a potential contract with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office that could lead to the assignment of a deputy to patrol the city. The Thompson City Council plans to discuss the agreement on January 5, 2024. This consideration comes in the wake of the resignation of former police chief David Kurtz, who took a new role with the University of North Dakota Police Department in October.
Thompson Mayor Jeremy Hughes expressed that the city is exploring various options for law enforcement following Kurtz’s departure. The proposed contract with the sheriff’s office aims to improve police coverage and access to resources. “Going with the county just gives us more widespread coverage,” Hughes stated. He noted that having a county deputy would provide an essential link to the broader resources of the Grand Forks Sheriff’s Office.
If the contract receives approval, a deputy would be dedicated exclusively to Thompson, similar to arrangements already in place with the cities of Larimore and Northwood. Sheriff Andy Schneider emphasized that deputies assigned to these cities primarily handle calls within their jurisdictions, ensuring that local issues are addressed effectively. “Those deputies are responsible only for those cities,” Schneider explained, underscoring the focused role of the contract deputy.
The Grand Forks County Commission has already signaled its support for the contract, having approved the pursuit of this agreement during its meeting on December 16. The sheriff’s office would provide necessary training for the deputy, while the costs would be borne by the city of Thompson.
One significant advantage of having a dedicated deputy would be the enforcement of municipal ordinances, which typically falls outside the sheriff’s office’s jurisdiction. As Schneider noted, many local laws, such as leash laws, require a city officer to enforce. “A deputy can’t go down there and write a ticket for you not having your dog on a leash because that’s not a state-centric code — that’s a city law,” he said. This situation highlights the importance of a contract deputy in ensuring local regulations are upheld.
Hughes is optimistic about the potential partnership with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office. He stated that the ability to enforce city ordinances would be “a huge benefit” for Thompson. “We’re just looking forward to a new connection and another partner that we’ll work together with,” he added, expressing hope for improved safety and community services in Thompson.
The upcoming City Council meeting on January 5 will be pivotal in determining the future of law enforcement in Thompson, as the community seeks to solidify its policing strategy. With the support of the sheriff’s office, the city aims to enhance its public safety measures and ensure a more robust response to local needs.
