Despite a scathing report from the state attorney's office about the Lake Hamilton Police Department, the town council there has decided to stick with its police force for another year.
Tuesday night council members voted unanimously to keep the police force in tact. Earlier this year, State Attorney Jerry Hill said the department is under trained, underfunded and unprofessional, following an investigation into its operations.
Still, many residents agreed with town officials and feel the department can be fixed.
"Why would we jump to the sheriffs office when we have a police department that knows our town, knows our people, knows our citizens," said resident Valerie Hoerler.
But city leaders say they do have a lot of work ahead of them.
"I think our police force can be brought up to speed," town administrator Sara Irvine said. "We have had staff that has been working on the issue since they were presented to us and we are making headway."