Big changes are coming to the Bedford Police Department.
When the city becomes a town next year, it will bring more responsibilities for police.
For example, the area along Route 460 by Walmart will become part of the town and covered by Bedford police and not the county. However the Sheriff's office will assist them if needed.
Overall the town's coverage area will increase by 25%.
That means the number of emergency calls will go up. Right now city police receive about 6,000 a year.
The increase will add another 2,000 calls.
"I suspect there will be some times when we're stretched because of the increase in call volume," says Chief Jim Day.
Chief Day says there are usually about 4 officers on duty for each shift. There are currently three openings in the Bedford Police Department.
Chief Day says they're anxious to get started. After three years discussing the reversion, he says they're looking forward to seeing it in action.
