For Immediate Release
Date: December 17, 2014

The following statement is from City Manager Stephanie Cutter:

“I continue to believe that a combined City-County police department is the best way to increase public safety throughout Chatham County. It allows Police to more efficiently deploy resources across a wide geographic area, enhances communications, and allows for more coordinated investigations, intelligence gathering and analysis. We have made significant recent investments in policing strategy, including new officer training and development programs, and the integration of technology and violence interdiction programs that will enhance our capabilities to prevent and solve crimes.

“The City has carried out merger agreement negotiations in an upfront manner, and offered significant compromises while insisting that it remain a fair document for all parties, the City of Savannah included.

“While we remain committed to negotiating a fair agreement that will keep SCMPD intact, we respect the will of the Chatham County Commissioners. The vast majority of the time the City and County work together on key issues facing our shared community. We will remain partners no matter the outcome of this decision, as we have for more than two centuries.”