West Jefferson Police Chief Brian Grogan is seeking input from citizens of the town on police services. A survey has gone out to approximately 400 randomly selected residents and businesses with the opportunity for one survey respondent to win a $50 gift certificate to shop downtown.

“As the Chief of Police, I want to insure that each of you receives effective, efficient and professional police services,” Grogan states in an introductory letter. “It is very important to me that each of you feel safe and well served. In order to assist me in this effort, I need your input.”

Grogan said survey respondents can put their name on the survey or return it unsigned to remain anonymous. Surveys mailed to recipients will include a postage paid return envelope. Surveys can also be picked up and returned at town hall by those who live in city limits and pay city taxes. As an incentive to return the completed survey, respondents will be eligible for a drawing for the $50 gift certificate donated by the West Jefferson Business Association and redeemable at more than 50 locations in town. Each survey will have an attached “ticket” that will be used for the drawing. Surveys need to be returned by June 2 in time for the drawing.

Grogan said, “This information will help us identify and correct any shortcomings. I assure you that we will continue to improve upon the quality of our service. I will personally review your comments. Your honest opinion about our service is very important.”

Questions on the survey are multiple choice, rankings and essay form. Respondents are asked their satisfaction level with police service in the past few years and what impression it gave them of the police department. A question asks respondents how safe they feel in such areas as their home, neighborhood, car and shopping areas. Essay questions give respondents an opportunity to comment on ideas or changes they feel would make them feel better served and safer, what things the department is doing they would like to see continued, and what they dislike about the police department.

“I look forward to working with the businesses and citizens to develop a closer relationship with the police department so that we may work together as a community, for the betterment of the Town of West Jefferson,” Grogan states. “I know that if we work together, we can continue to make West Jefferson a great place to live and visit.”

Chief Grogan can be reached at town hall at 246-9410 or by email at chiefofpolice@skybest.com.