Is Crime Lower Now, Then it was One Hundred Years Ago?

Understanding the history of Lynchburg and it's Police may give us an insight to the importance and value our predecessors placed on law enforcement. I have spent much time reading older Council minutes to seek out the evolution of the Police Department, and to try to grasp how the community arrived at the point we are at.
Between 1830 and 1890 there became a need for protection. The events leading up to this are relatively unclear. However the community elders did see fit, and endorsed a Village Marshall and a Village Jailer. The Village of Lynchburg had its own law enforcement agents and a local jail. Most likely the Marshall, which means Police Chief today, was an elected rather than appointed position. The Jailer was a separate position and he employed help, separate from the Marshall.
In the early 1900's to 1920's records show the Marshall employing special Police and night Police. It seems Special Police were officers on day shift and Night Police or watchmen, were employed specifically to serve as law after dark. These officers were law officers under the Marshall. Through the years it seems the Village maintained around 4 law enforcement officers and up to six, including the Jailer at time throughout history.
Sometime in the mid 1930's, there is a gap in records, the Police Department was formed and the Marshall became a Chief of Police. This Chief was an appointed position under the Mayor and was confirmed by the Village Council. This is much the same as it is today. Things seemed to run about the same with a jailer, and an assistant who cleaned and maintained the jail, along with other Village offices. The Police Department stayed steady with the Chief and never less than two additional officers.
The Village had a Police Chief, which many remember, Harold "Windy" Shaffer, who had a long run as Police Chief, about 20yrs. His retirement commenced in 1985,and "Windy" started in the 60's under his predecessor Chief Chester Elam. Everything seemed very Mayberry like. The Village had one cruiser and one town maintenance truck, an excellent tax base which brought in a few thousand dollars.
Then came 1979, which is a year that has unclear minutes about several problems.This seems to be the beginning of the road that led us to where we are today. Two deputies under Chief H. Shaffer, quit or resigned that year. The Village Council were in the process of purchasing a new Police cruiser from Brose Chevrolet which was the local Chevy dealer in Lynchburg. It seems one of the officers brought false charges and or lied in testimony. At a special meeting in latof e 1979 that was called to "Discuss Police Problems" the Village legal counsel ,Mr Hapner, informed the Council that the Highland County Prosecutor informed him that charges would be filed against the Village and or Officers if they were put back on duty.
Later on that year the Council decided to keep Chief Shaffer on until his retirement in 1985, and contract with the Sheriff for Protection. This contract was for a Deputy Sheriff to be here from late evening to early the next morning, the times are explained in the minutes, seven days a week.
Since, 1985 there were many Police Chiefs that tried to rebuild a proper Department, however still leaned on the crutch of the Sheriff's Department for the majority of support. The perception of the Police Department from its former glory was no more. This was due to the fact that a scandal had destroyed it. The community has been in an unstable whirlwind since then. From 1990 to now there have been around 12 Police Chiefs. This in itself show instability and lack of leadership among the Department, Government, and Community. Much of this can be contributed to lack of funding in the last twenty years. The Police did not need much funding with only one Chief, and a Sheriff contract, which did cost something and was not free. Initially in 1979 it was over $15,000 dollars for Sheriff Dept. coverage.
With the challenges we all face, which include: lack of funding, rising crime, lack of protection, I believe we need a Police Department more than ever. A local Police Department that understands the Lynchburg Community. I think it is time to put the focus here at home. It is time to rebuild a local Police Department that understands and cares. With your help, myself, and Chief Wooton, can give us all the protection we deserve. Now, this will not be free, it will not be easy, however it is the responsible thing to do, in order to protect our families and property.