Springfield Vermont Police Department Progress Under Chief Jeff Burnham

Since taking over as Chief of Police in 2022, Jeff Burnham has led a department-wide transformation focused on staffing, community engagement, and addressing root causes of crime.

Crime Reduction

Since 2022, Springfield, Vermont has experienced a 28% drop in reported offenses—including drug, property, and public order crimes. This significant decline reflects the police department’s proactive, accountable approach to community safety.

Staffing Rebuilt

  • When Chief Burnham arrived, the department was down ten officers.
  • Today, the department is nearly fully staffed, with only one vacancy remaining — a major milestone for stability and operational readiness.
  • Notably, the department has recently hired two women, helping address the ongoing national need for greater gender diversity in policing.
Springfield Police

Community Policing

  • The department has increased its presence in the community, focusing on outreach and visibility.
  • Officers are responding to high-volume call areas for service, helping build trust and reduce repeated incidents.

Addressing Root Causes Through “Project Action”

  • Springfield PD is actively analyzing the intersection of public health and public safety through a lens called Project Action.
  • This includes tackling the social determinants of crime — such as unemployment, housing insecurity, substance use, literacy, and poverty — in partnership with other agencies.
  • The department also participates in Project Action’s targeted outreach, which brings a mobile healthcare unit to high-risk, high-need locations to offer on-site access to social services — bridging critical gaps between enforcement and care.

Recovery-Oriented Approach to Drug Use

  • The department now includes a Recovery Coach embedded within the PD, focused on outreach and reengagement.
  • A Mental Health Liaison, in partnership with HCRS, helps divert individuals into treatment and care rather than the justice system.

Recharged Diversion Model

  • Springfield PD has reinvigorated its pre-court diversion efforts, engaging individuals early to change behavior and promote accountability.
  • These programs encourage people to understand the impact of their actions and offer support in areas like food insecurity-related offenses (e.g., shoplifting).

Partnership with Greater Falls Community Justice Center

  • The department is now working closely with Polly Mahoney from the Greater Falls Community Justice Center to strengthen restorative justice programming.

Looking Ahead

What’s happening in Springfield isn’t just about reducing crime—it’s about redefining how a small-town police department can lead with compassion, data, and accountability. Under Chief Burnham’s leadership, the Springfield Police Department is showing what’s possible when public safety becomes truly community-centered. The progress is real—and the momentum is just beginning.

Related Posts

Recent Posts

Springfield Police

Springfield Leads With Compassion: A New Approach to Community Safety

Springfield Leads With Compassion: A New Approach to Community Safety In Springfield, we know that neighbors look out for neighbors. Now, our community is putting that spirit into action with an innovative new model to address some of today’s toughest challenges, crime, addiction, and homelessness. It’s called a situation table, and Springfield is showing how collaboration can change lives. What’s a Situation Table? Every week, local police, health providers, housing agencies, and nonprofits meet at one

Read More »
Town Manager Job Opening

Springfield Vermont Town Manager Opening

Town Manager Opening Help shape the next chapter of a historic New England mill town that’s building a bold future with world class broadband, a resilient local economy, and a strong sense of place. Springfield, Vermont (population ~9,000) is welcoming applications for our next Town Manager, a dynamic, forward thinking leader ready to accelerate our Strategic Plan and guide a thriving community through a period of transformation. Nationally recognized for our robust fiber optic network, Springfield

Read More »
Springfield VT First Fridays

First Friday

First Fridays Returns This Fall in Downtown Springfield 🍂✨ Downtown Springfield is alive with energy, and this October we’re celebrating in true Vermont style! Springfield on the Move invites you to the First Fridays Fall Edition on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.✨ This event is all about community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a local neighbor or a first-time visitor exploring southern Vermont, First Fridays is the perfect way to experience the

Read More »
Vermont Fall Foliage

Vermont Fall Foliage

Vermont Fall Foliage: The Best Places to See Autumn Colors in Springfield Forget the crowded tourist trails. For a truly authentic Vermont fall foliage experience, set your sights on the charming town of Springfield. Tucked into the serene Black River Valley, this area offers a more intimate and less-trafficked base for exploring the state’s most breathtaking season. This guide will lead you on an unforgettable journey, whether you prefer the challenge of a rewarding hike or

Read More »
morningside flight park

Morningside Flight Park

Soar Above Springfield: Learn to Fly at Morningside Flight Park Tucked into the rolling hills just outside downtown Springfield, Vermont, there’s a place where gravity gives way to adventure. Welcome to Morningside Flight Park, one of the most unique and breathtaking outdoor destinations in the region.Whether you’ve always dreamed of flying or are simply looking to try something new, Morningside offers the rare opportunity to launch into the sky, safely, confidently, and with a view you’ll

Read More »
Stellafane

Under the Stars: Stellafane and Springfield’s Celestial Heritage

Under the Stars: Stellafane and Springfield’s Celestial Heritage In a quiet corner of Southern Vermont, just above the bustle of Springfield, a community of stargazers gathers each summer to honor a century-old tradition that has made our town a beacon for amateur astronomers worldwide. Welcome to Stellafane, a celebration of curiosity, craftsmanship, and cosmic wonder, right here in Springfield, Vermont. A Star is Born in Precision Valley Stellafane, Latin for “shrine to the stars,” isn’t just

Read More »