The city of Thompson is evaluating a contract with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office that could lead to dedicated law enforcement coverage for the area. If approved by the Thompson City Council on January 5, 2024, a sheriff’s deputy would be assigned specifically to patrol the city. This move follows the departure of former police chief David Kurtz, who accepted a position with the University of North Dakota Police Department in October.
Thompson Mayor Jeremy Hughes emphasized that contracting with the sheriff’s office would enhance police coverage and provide better access to resources. “Going with the county just gives us more widespread coverage,” Hughes stated, highlighting the potential benefits of having a deputy readily available for city needs.
The Grand Forks County Commission endorsed the idea of pursuing this contract during a meeting on December 16, 2023. The proposed agreement mirrors existing contracts the sheriff’s office has with the cities of Larimore and Northwood, where deputies focus exclusively on those municipalities. According to Sheriff Andy Schneider, deputies assigned to these contracts primarily respond to calls within their designated areas. “Those deputies are responsible only for those cities,” Schneider explained, indicating that their duties typically do not extend beyond the city limits unless other deputies are occupied.
Under the terms of the contract, the sheriff’s office would provide training for the deputy, with costs covered by the city of Thompson. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for enforcing municipal ordinances, a responsibility that generally falls outside the sheriff’s jurisdiction. Schneider noted that without a dedicated deputy, local laws—such as leash laws—might not be enforced effectively. “If they have a leash law, a deputy can’t go down there and write a ticket for you not having your dog on a leash because that’s not a state-centric code,” he said.
Hughes expressed optimism about the potential partnership with the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office. He believes that having a deputy focused on Thompson would significantly benefit the community by improving law enforcement responsiveness and ordinance enforcement. “We’re just looking forward to a new connection and another partner that we’ll work together with,” he remarked, hopeful for the collaborative future that lies ahead if the contract is approved.
As the city awaits the council’s decision, the outcome could reshape the law enforcement landscape in Thompson, providing residents with enhanced security and a stronger community presence.
