Forks Defends Police Program Cuts

The program casualties are mounting for the Forks Township Police Department.

First, the annual summer youth academy was axed. And then the bike derby got the chopping block.

While residents have commented on Palmer-Forks Patch.com and our Facebook site about the losses, several Forks supervisors are now sharing their thoughts as well.

"As far as the police programs being canceled, we understand the need to cancel them due to the timing of the staff openings being encountered by the police department," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said.

"We hope to address them as soon as possible and look forward to the police department offering these programs again in the future," Chuss said.

Supervisor David Billings wondered why no discussion took place first.

"It is unfortunate this happened, but I was not aware of the police decision to cancel community based programs," Billings said. "I am hoping we get a chance to discuss the decisions in order to gain a better understanding of the issues."

Forks police officials said the programs were cut due to manpower shortages.

The township is also suffering from financial woes and officials are putting together a seven-year plan to get a better handle of its financial future.