Sheriff’s Department
Buys Video Cameras
To Combat Complaints
By Cornelia Cesari

At the June 10 meeting of the Chelsea Selectboard, Stan Brinkman followed up on a petition he wrote and circulated in town. The petition requested that the town suspend its contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department based upon the actions of one deputy, Patrick Nevers.

Brinkman declared that people in town have complained about numerous traffic stops by Deputy Nevers.

Sheriff Bohnyak Bill countered that rumors about Deputy Nevers have been blown out of proportion and said that "if the stories out there were true, I would have a problem with him, too."

While defending his department, Bohnyak said that Deputy Nevers has voluntarily pulled himself from all patrols. He also disclosed that the department has purchased cameras for two of the patrol cars and "the patrols in this town will be audiotaped and videotaped."

Contradicting the petition, which sought to eliminate all OCSD law enforcement in Chelsea, Brinkman acknowledged, "enforcement is very important."

He went on to explain, "I would rather see a roadblock and everyone go through it, rather than people being singled out. It is detrimental to the youth’s perception of law enforcement."

Selectman Doug Lyford agreed, praising Sheriff Bohnyak’s relationship with Chelsea’s citizens, but cautioning that this tension could "break a sacred bond that the people have with the Sheriff’s Department.

"I think that bond is fractured now," he said.

Bohnyak said both sides may be responsible for the mistrust, however. While acknowledging Nevers’ "aggressive" approach, he expressed frustration with the reaction of several citizens.

"I was surprised that those who pushed the petition did not come into the sheriff’s office when my door has been open ever since day one," he said.

"Some of the traffic stops have been questioned, and were all determined to be legitimate. Nobody has ever come in and filed an official complaint alleging Nevers did anything inappropriate or unlawful.

"When I heard about the petition, I immediately contacted the selectboard, attended a meeting, and announced that anyone having or hearing of a complaint should contact me, at the department or at home … no one has contacted me in the last month."

Bohnyak then reassured those present by stating, "I hear the people of this town. I have taken action." He went on to disclose Nevers’ voluntary action and the department’s purchase of video equipment.