Wednesday, January 18, 2012

No complaints about Bellevue Marshal’s Office

Three months into new management, one officer remains

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By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

Bellevue Marshal Larry Clark has made a good impression on Bellevue business leaders who were worried about a change in law enforcement service from the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office to the Hailey Police Department. Photo by David N. Seelig

Three months after the Hailey Police Department took over law enforcement duties in Bellevue from the Blaine County Sheriff's Office, residents and city officials are reporting no decrease in the level of service.

Some residents, including then City Council candidates Shaun Mahoney and Tammy Eaton, had opposed the change, contending it could lead to a decrease in police protection.

Martin Chandler, owner of Guffy's convenience store on Main Street, was one of the skeptics. However, he said last week that he was "pleasantly surprised" by the Hailey Police Department's law enforcement services.

"Things are going quite well," he said. "They are doing a good job. There is a good presence on Main Street, which is what I was concerned about. I see the officers quite frequently in the store, around the store and up and down the highway, which makes me believe they are watching out for my business."

Mahoney, owner of Mahoney's restaurant, also said he's pleased with what he's seen.

"[Marshal] Larry Clark is pretty solid," he sasid. "He comes in all the time and asks questions. But Bellevue is hard. It's not glamour central. You have to find a person that wants to be here."

Clark said all contracted patrol shifts have been covered in the city since Hailey took over. He said only one of four officers originally hired by the Hailey Police Department, Rene Rodriguez, has remained on the job.

"Two officers had already been through the schools, but decided not to work in law enforcement," Clark said. "We hired two more immediately. Another officer was hired from Gooding. There are three on the street and a fourth riding with me now who will be on his own in March."

Bellevue Mayor Chris Koch said the Hailey Police Department was doing a "wonderful job."

Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter said he had heard only good things about the police in Bellevue.

Cindy Hinojosa, a Bellevue resident who had organized a petition drive against the change, declined to comment on any changes she may have noticed in the level of law enforcement services.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com

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