Changes are being made concerning police protection for the city of Bicknell. An inter-local agreement with Knox County was explained and agreed to last night by the Bicknell City Council.
Recently, the Bicknell PD was down to 1 officer. Officer Kevin Carroll pleaded guilty last week to Criminal Recklessness in a case concerning the compromise of a drug investigation. Also, Bicknell Police Chief Terry Stremming has been on administrative leave after being charged with Battery on a Public Official in an incident at the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office.
The Vincennes Sun Commercial reports that under the agreement between Knox County and Bicknell, Bicknell will keep and pay one officer, Knox County will hire 4 more deputies and Bicknell will pay the county over $326,000 a year. The county will oversee the hiring of the 4 and pay for training and give Bicknell $50,000 credit for police equipment transferred to the county. It’s a 3 year deal that automically renews every 3 years. The deal can be terminated by Bicknell or the County anytime with a 6 month notice.
Dozens of residents attended last night’s meeting most opposing the agreement. Councilman John Vendes was the only Bicknell City Councilman opposing the agreement which still needs approval from the Knox County Council and Commissioners.
