About the Stowe Police Department

About Stowe Police Department

The Stowe Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency. The 11 full-time certified officers and 10 part-time officers serve a population of nearly 4,500 full-time residents and provide services to a weekend population that can rise to over 10,000.
Stowe is Vermont's second-largest town in area so the Stowe Police Department provides services in an area covering more than 79 square miles. Stowe's varied terrain ranges from village streets to the recreation path, from mountain trails to waterways and lakes, often requiring officers to operate in a wide variety of environments. In addition Stowe police officers are often called to back up and support officers from other agencies in an area covering more than 500 square miles.
Stowe's individual officers are expected to have a wide variety of specialty training and expertise including medical first response and CPR. The department's requirement for continuous education and training contributes to a high degree of professionalism.
On a daily basis Stowe's citizens and guests will find Stowe officers performing patrols, handling traffic details, conducting investigations, covering special events, assisting with animal control, and providing community outreach services. Specialty training in areas ranging from narcotics investigation to crime scene investigation to tactical response allows Stowe police officers to respond to the widest possible variety of issues and challenges.
The officers of the Stowe Police Department are committed to PROTECT AND SERVE their community, neighbors, and guests.

Stowe Police officers provide a wide variety of services for the town.

Stowe Police History

Over the years, our gear, cruisers, and techniques have all changed. But one thing remains the same... The officers and staff of the Stowe Police Department are committed to protect and serve Stowe's residents, businesses, children, and guests.

SPD staff in 1995

Stowe Police Department Milestones

1902 Stowe builds first jail inside the Akeley Memorial Building

c. 1956 Stowe installs first radios in police cars

1975 Stowe contracts with Lamoille County Sheriff's Department for dispatch services

1990 Stowe is among the first police departments in the country to adopt Glock handguns for its officers

1992 Stowe is the first department in Vermont to adopt four-wheel drive cruisers for all-weather response in varied terrain

1995 Stowe is the first department in Vermont to adopt "Utility" type uniforms for better durability, flexibility, and comfort

2000 Animal Control Ordinance is adopted and ACO is hired to ensure the safety of Stowe's residents, pets, and wildlife

2010 Stowe Police, Fire, and Rescue move into the Public Safety Facility builidng in May.

Equipment has changed over the years, but a commitment to getting the job done has been a constant.

In 1973 the Dodge Polara was Stowe's cruiser of choice

A Stowe cruiser responds to a home during the early 1970's

Stowe was the first department in VT to adopt SUV's ensuring rapid response no matter the weather

To patrol the new Rec Path, Stowe officers were among the first in the state to start bike patrols

Over the years Stowe officers have needed to take to the water to protect and serve

Stowe Police uniforms have evolved during the years. Stowe was the first department in the state to begin using BDU "Utility" type uniforms in the 1990's.

Stowe police uniform during the late 1960's

Stowe's first patch

By 1976 this uniform was standard for Stowe police officers

Stowe badge, name tag, and tie bar belonging to former officer Howard "Tippy" Bailey

Stowe Police uniform of the 1980's

Drug Raids are a regular event, past and present.

For years Stowe officers have actively pursued drug criminals, seizing drugs and paraphernalia

Stowe police officers search the woods each year, destroying hundreds of marijuana plants

Criminal investigatons are a regular part of police work in Stowe.

Investigation of environmental crimes is nothing new for Stowe PD. Note the Chevy Citation cruisers

This safe was broken into during a bank robbery in Stowe during the 1970's

Stowe Police Department has a long history of using K-9's for rescue and detection tasks.

Ed Stewart with police canine Izzy c. 1991

In 2001 Ed Stewart and Cinder assisted in the 911 rescue efforts at the World Trade Center

Stowe had a DARE officer for many years. DARE Day in 1997 drew a big crowd.

Dare Day 1997 was a huge success!

"Soak" the police chief! Very popular!

Officer Tabor fingerprinting on DARE day

Training has always been a way of life for police officers. Whether range in the 1970's or control and restraint in 2007, Stowe officers have always received the best training.

From revolvers in the 1970's to today's Glocks and patrol rifles, qualification is an annual event

Officers practice handcuffing, control and restraint techniques

At annual range qualifications, officers train with a variety of firearms

Officers use a variety of positions and train in scenarios during annual range

The Santa Program had been in existence for over 30 years.

It is now run by the Stowe Recreation Department

Chief Kaplan with Maria Von Trapp and Santa McHugh

Santa's loyal group of basket makers!

Santa and his elf visit the elderly on Christmas Eve

Thank you to both The Stowe Reporter and private individuals who supplied many of our Archive photos.

Public Safety Complex

In May, 2010, the new building was completed and dedicated. The project was finished ahead of schedule and it came in under budget. The new Public Safety Complex today house Stowe Police, The Stowe Volunteer Fire Department and Stowe Rescue/Mountain Rescue.

The demolition of the old police building was completed during the first week of May. One minute it was standing - the next minute it was GONE!

The completed Public Safety Building

Stowe Police Department, 350 South Main Street, Stowe Vermont 05672

Non- Emergency Number 802-253-7126

For Emergencies Dial 911