The Village of Waterloo Policeman’s Association is raising alarm over a proposal being considered by village officials to dissolve the Waterloo Police Department, a force that has served the community for nearly a century.
In a public statement, the union, affiliated with the Communications Workers of America Local 1170, revealed that the mayor and village trustees are contemplating the department’s elimination. The proposal, which was not discussed during recent contract negotiations, has surfaced despite the union and the village reaching a new four-year agreement in December. According to the union, officials have delayed action on approving the contract, and now dissolution is being considered instead.
The Waterloo Police Department has seen an increase in demand for services, responding to 7,115 incidents in 2024—up from 5,504 the previous year. Officers currently average a response time of two to three minutes per call. The union warns that dissolving the department could jeopardize public safety for the village’s 4,700 residents by increasing emergency response times.
“We value every citizen’s support and look forward to faithfully serving you with the integrity, respect, and honor that you’ve been accustomed to for so many years,” the statement read.
The union is urging residents to contact village officials and voice their concerns about the potential loss of local law enforcement. No formal statements have been announced or released by village officials to date.
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