FLUSHING -- Flushing Township officials are tossing around the idea of closing the township's police department following nearly a year of negotiations and no new contract.
Adding more fuel to the fire, in recent months several lawsuits and grievances were filed by police officers against the township.
The township board met Wednesday night to discuss the future of the police department.
Township officials made no comment after the meeting and for now the fate of the Flushing Township Police Department remains uncertain.
There's talk township officials are considering disbanding the police force altogether and instead relying on the Genesee County Sheriff's Department for protection.
"Before we make any decision we're going to look at every aspect of the police and finances and make the best decision for our township," said Flushing Township Supervisor Terry Peck.
Peck says the stalled negotiations are more about strained relationships between township officials and police officers rather than money.
"We could probably get a contract relatively quick. That doesn't change the fact our legal bills may not change because our officers are still filing grievances and lawsuits."
In recent months the township has done away with 24 hour police patrols and has been forced to lay off several officers all while dealing with lawsuits and grievances by police.
Lloyd Whetstone, labor representative for the Police Officer Labor Council, says talk of disbanding the police department is out of the question according to the current contract.
"They can only layoff for economic reasons, meaning if they don't have the money then they don't have to have a police department. They have the money," said Whetstone.
Peck says he believes a new contract can be worked out but changes need to be made within the police department.
"We need a change in attitude front the whole police force. All of them, they don't have to like one another to do their job."
Whetstone says whatever the case maybe resident safety should come first.
"We believe the citizens of the township should have 24/7 coverage and when they call the police someone should show up," said Whetstone.
Contract negotiations will continue Thursday 2:00 p.m.
