Feb 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 2

AROUND THE COUNTRY
STARKE, FL.
The Florida Community of Starke, disbanded their police department
and opted for cheaper version of law enforcement.
By Joanna Putman
Police1
STARKE, FL. — The city of
Starke has voted to disband its
police department in favor of
contracting with county law enforcement,
WCJB reported.
The City Commission voted 4-1
on the issue on Jan. 16, according
to the report. The decision will
displace the department’s 11 officers
and one civilian employee
starting March 1.
The police chief position can
only be eliminated if voters pass
a ballot referendum, meaning
that Starke Police Chief Jeff
Johnson, who opposed the
decision, will remain chief of a
nonexistent department.
All employees were offered
the opportunity to apply at the
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office,
which will be providing law
enforcement services to Starke
after the department disbands,
according to the report.
The contract with the sheriff’s
office will cost the city about
$625,000 per year, according to
the report. The police department’s
annual budget was more
than $1 million.
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40 The Blues - February ‘24