Burlington Police Department

Burlington has settled five separate lawsuits related to excessive use-of-force since 2019, amounting to nearly $1.5 million in payouts. The department's data shows that Black residents are overrepresented among these use-of-force incidents, at six times the rate of their population share, reaching an all-time high of 99 in 2025. Advocates warn that this record disparity requires immediate attention and a meaningful response from city leadership.

A Burlington resident describes witnessing open-air drug use and public disorder in downtown areas, including a park near Ben & Jerry’s on Church Street, and calls for urgent action to address the growing crisis. The letter highlights concerns about safety, economic impacts, and the failure of leadership to combat illegal drug activity and suspected dealing.

Ari Moskowitz, a Burlington man, was charged with stalking and harassing Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak after allegedly accosting her in public multiple times and making her fear for her safety. Moskowitz, who runs a social media account criticizing the mayor’s policies, pleaded not guilty and faces restrictions on contacting her or approaching City Hall. His attorney claims the case involves First Amendment rights, while police describe incidents including blocking the mayor at a meeting and confronting her at a parade.

A Burlington mother secured a $150,000 settlement against the city over claims of excessive force and racial discrimination by police during a 2021 incident involving her 14-year-old Black son, who has behavioral and intellectual disabilities. The lawsuit, dismissed in May 2024, alleged officers restrained the teen, paramedics used a mesh bag and ketamine to retrieve stolen vapes, and the city initially sought to dismiss the case, which a judge rejected.

Burlington Police Department reported no excessive force during a March 11 ICE raid in South Burlington, but the city's Police Commission disputed key claims. Over 100 complaints were filed, and a City Attorney review found no violation of Vermont's Fair and Impartial Policing policy, conflicting with the Commission's assertion that police supported an unlawful federal action.