Vermont State Police collaborates with DNA experts on Brianna Maitland case

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police collaborates with DNA experts on Brianna Maitland case

 

WATERBURY, Vermont (Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020) — As part of the Vermont State Police’s ongoing investigation into the 2004 disappearance of Brianna Maitland, detectives are partnering with a Texas-based company on new analysis of scientific evidence that may help shed light on what happened to the missing 17-year-old.

 

Brianna was last seen the evening of March 19, 2004, leaving The Black Lantern Inn in Montgomery, where she worked, in her 1985 Oldsmobile 88. The car was located the next day backed into an abandoned building about a mile from the restaurant. Although initially believed that Brianna might have run away, it was later determined she could have been a victim of foul play. Investigators have pursued multiple leads throughout the years, but none have led to Brianna.

 

Now, the state police Major Crime Unit is collaborating with Othram, a Houston business that specializes in forensic testing and works on the cutting edge of DNA and scientific techniques to help identify victims, locate missing persons and uncover perpetrators of crime.

 

Through this partnership with the Vermont State Police, Othram will analyze DNA evidence recovered during the investigation into Brianna’s disappearance. The company has launched a fundraising drive to cover the costs of testing.

 

“We’ve never lost sight of Brianna’s case and have worked relentlessly to find out what happened to her so we can provide answers for her loved ones and hold any offenders accountable,” said Capt. Scott Dunlap, commander of VSP’s Major Crime Unit. “This partnership, leveraging the latest scientific tools and techniques available, provides our investigators with another avenue to pursue.”

 

The use of genetic genealogy tracing in the Brianna’s case follows a similar partnership announced earlier this summer. The Vermont State Police collaborated with Parabon Nanolabs of Reston, Virginia, to conduct genetic genealogy testing in the unsolved homicide case of an unidentified infant, “Baby Boy Doe,” who was found dead April 1, 1982, on Mill Hill Road in Northfield. Parabon launched a fundraising campaign to cover their costs, which was fully funded through contributions from the public in August. Parabon is now proceeding with its work on this case.

 

Members of the public can help in several ways with the Brianna Maitland investigation. Anyone with tips or other information that might in any way be relevant should contact Detective Sgt. Angela Baker at angela.baker@vermont.gov, or submit an anonymous tip online (https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit).

 

To learn more, visit the case page on the Vermont State Police website, or go to the fundraising page posted by Othram.

 

The direct links are as follows:

• VSP case page: https://vsp.vermont.gov/unsolved/missing/a/maitland
• Fundraising campaign: https://dnasolves.com/articles/brianna_maitland

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Members of the media requesting interviews with investigators regarding the Brianna Maitland case should contact Adam Silverman, the state police public information officer, at adam.silverman@vermont.gov.

 

 

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Vermont State Police focuses on new DNA technology in unsolved 1982 homicide of infant

 

 

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

Vermont State Police focuses on new DNA technology in unsolved 1982 homicide of infant

 

WATERBURY, Vermont (Thursday, July 23, 2020) — Detectives with the Vermont State Police are hoping an emerging investigative technique involving DNA will help shed light on the unsolved 1982 killing of an infant in Northfield.

 

Baby Boy Doe was found dead April 1, 1982, on the side of Mill Hill Road in Northfield, wrapped in a brown bath towel inside a sealed plastic garbage bag. Evidence indicated the boy had been carried full term and born healthy only hours earlier, likely nearby. His death is attributed to exposure to the elements. The identity of his parents remains unknown.

 

Now, partnering with a Virginia-based company that specializes in genetic genealogy, the state police Cold Case Unit is working toward a break in the case that could lead to the baby’s identity or the identity of the parents.

 

“Baby Boy Doe left us with an important clue about what might have happened to him: his DNA,” said Capt. Scott Dunlap, who oversees the Cold Case Unit as commander of the Major Crime Unit. “In the nearly 40 years since his death, technology has caught up with the evidence, allowing us to move forward in a way that was never possible before.”

 

The Vermont State Police has partnered with Parabon Nanolabs, based in Reston, Virginia, to conduct the genetic genealogy testing — a procedure that comes with a roughly $5,000 price tag. Parabon has launched a “Justice Drive” to raise money to cover their costs.

 

“We’ve never lost sight of this victim or of the secondary victims in this case. We want to learn the identity of this infant, help bring answers to the community, and hold the offender responsible,” said Heather Gibbs, a cold case specialist with the state police. “Our detectives have done amazing and tireless work on this case since 1982, but our investigative efforts can go only so far.”

 

“We used the time during the pandemic-related stay-home orders earlier this year to pursue many unsolved cases,” she continued, “and the DNA techniques now available to us are helping advance the progress of the Baby Boy Doe investigation.”

 

Members of the public can help in several ways. Anyone with tips or other information they think could be relevant should contact Detective Sgt. Angela Baker at angela.baker@vermont.gov, or submit an anonymous tip online (https://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit).

 

People who want to learn more about the Baby Boy Doe investigation should visit the case page on the Vermont State Police website, or visit the Justice Drive page established by Parabon Nanolabs.

 

The direct links are as follows:

• VSP case page: https://vsp.vermont.gov/unsolved/homicide/babydoe
• Justice Drive: https://justicedrive.org/cases/Northfield-VT--19820401

 

“Vermonters should know that we continue to pursue unsolved homicides, even after many years or decades,” Capt. Dunlap said. “We know how important it is to bring closure to families, and offenders to justice. The Baby Boy Doe case is just the latest example — and it’s one where members of the public can play a direct role in helping us find answers.”

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Investigators with the Vermont State Police will be available to discuss the Baby Boy Doe case. Members of the media requesting interviews should contact Adam Silverman, the state police public information officer, at adam.silverman@vermont.gov.

 

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Vermont public safety leaders present draft law enforcement modernization and reform plan to state lawmakers

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Vermont public safety leaders present draft law enforcement modernization and reform plan to state lawmakers

 

MONTPELIER, Vt. (Thursday, June 11, 2020) — Law enforcement and public safety leaders from across Vermont are presenting to the Legislature a draft set of action items and reforms intended to modernize policing in the state.

 

The 10-point proposal, intended as a starting point for the conversation, was developed by the Vermont Department of Public Safety, the Vermont State Police, the Office of the Vermont Attorney General, the Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police, the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council and the Vermont Sheriffs’ Association in consultation with community representatives of the Vermont State Police Fair & Impartial Policing Committee. The recommendations will move forward at the pace that the Legislature and the community desires and with their input.

 

“America has experienced a tipping point in the nationwide crisis involving police use of force. Awareness and acknowledgement of institutionalized racism throughout the criminal justice system has likely never been at a higher level,” the draft document states. “In Vermont, there must be a systematic approach to comprehensive police reform. While much of this work has been ongoing for years, this is a time for police and the criminal justice community to listen to the concerns and calls for action and accelerate this work as rapidly as possible.”

 

The latest version of the plan is available by following this link.

 

The 10 recommendations are as follows, and are explained in further detail in the full draft document attached to this release:

 

1. Change hiring practices at law enforcement agencies.
2. Modernize training of law enforcement personnel.
3. Improve the process for promotions and selecting supervisors.
4. Ensure allegations of police misconduct are investigated with transparency and consistency.
5. Implement a standardized, statewide data collection system for use of force, traffic stops, arrests, mental health and other related topics.
6. Require body-worn cameras for all law enforcement officers.
7. Redouble community collaboration efforts.
8. Implement one or more means of providing community oversight of police.
9. Create and adopt a statewide use-of-force policy.
10. Develop a statewide stance on use of military surplus equipment.

 

The agencies and individuals involved in creating these recommendations understand they are a starting point, not a finish line, and they will be evaluated and refined with extensive community input. Many of the strategies could be implemented within three to six months, but the pace will be tempered as needed to ensure all Vermonters, especially those who have experienced inequity firsthand, can offer their ideas.

 

As the document states: “We will move forward together to ensure we not only follow constitutional, ethical, and core values, but match the needs of our respective communities. At a minimum, that means working together with all Vermonters to end the pattern and practice of disparate, inequitable treatment of the people throughout the criminal justice system. More broadly, we must forge stronger ties with the communities we serve to understand their needs and priorities and work together to resolve them. Together with our communities and partners, we commit to these changes.”

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Commissioner Michael Schirling

Vermont Department of Public Safety

Please send interview requests by email to the state police public information officer, Adam Silverman, at adam.silverman@vermont.gov.

 

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DPS issues guidance on enforcement of 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' order

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

Vermont Department of Public Safety issues guidance on enforcement of 'Stay Home, Stay Safe' executive order

Law enforcement will rely on educating the public and receiving voluntary compliance as Vermonters unite to care for one another

 

 

WATERBURY, Vt. (March 25, 2020) — The Vermont Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, issued guidance to local police departments regarding potential enforcement of Gov. Phil Scott's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order, announced Tuesday, March 24, and effective at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.

 

Today, DPS and the Vermont State Police — the largest law-enforcement agency in the state — recommended to Vermont municipal leaders and law-enforcement executives that enforcement of this executive order be handled primarily through education and voluntary compliance.

 

"I have tremendous faith in Vermonters' shared ability to follow these directives in order to save lives, and to support each other and their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic," Governor Phil Scott said. "Vermont is a small state with close-knit communities known for looking out for the wellbeing of our neighbors. When we tell people to stay home to save lives, I'm confident Vermonters will do the right thing."

 

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Schirling said that law enforcement and the public will be partners in this process.

 

"Vermonters are really coming together to heed the orders that have been issued to date," Commissioner Schirling said. "We expect the same will happen with this additional order. We believe that education and voluntary compliance is the key as Vermonters unite during this difficult time."

 

 

WHAT IS THE ORDER?

Gov. Scott's order directs Vermonters to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons, critical to health and safety, such as grocery shopping, seeking medical care, or exercising outside. If leaving the home, Vermonters should adhere to social distancing policies, including remaining 6 feet from others (except for those with whom they share a home), regularly washing their hands, and avoiding touching their faces.

 

All businesses and nonprofits not expressly exempted in the order must suspend all in-person business operations. Operations that can be conducted online or by phone, or sales that can be facilitated with curbside pickup or delivery only, may continue.  

 

The order contains exemptions for businesses and entities that provide services or functions deemed critical to public health and safety, along with economic and national security. This includes — but is not limited to — health care operations; retail that serves essential human needs, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores; fuel products and supply; maintenance of critical infrastructure; news media; financial institutions; and transportation and critical manufacturing sectors. Travel to and from these exempt businesses and entities is permitted. For a full list, please review the order at this link.

 

Leaving the home for exercise and outdoor activity is allowed, provided that people are adhering to appropriate social distancing. The order is in effect until April 15, 2020, though it may be extended or shortened as needed.

 

 

HOW WILL THE ORDER BE ENFORCED?

In instances where police officers observe or are made aware of people operating in violation of Gov. Scott's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order, law enforcement is encouraged to speak with the proprietor, staff, or group, provide a reminder of the new requirements, and assess voluntary compliance. Civil or regulatory mechanisms, specifically informing and educating those encountered in violation of the order about the mechanisms that may apply, could prove helpful.  Again, officials expect the vast majority of compliance to be self-regulating.

 

The executive order does not close roads, nor does it establish roadblocks, checkpoints or the authority to demand identification. Motor-vehicle and pedestrian traffic will continue as Vermonters engage in permissible activities outdoors and travel to and from businesses and entities that are continuing to operate under the order. Accordingly, the order does not establish cause to initiate a motor vehicle stop or detain people for questioning about their travel.

 

 

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Vermonters seeking additional information about the executive order should call 2-1-1, and visit the websites of Gov. Scott (governor.vermont.gov) and Vermont Emergency Management (vem.vermont.gov). Please do not call Vermont State Police dispatch.

 

Commercial entities, nonprofits, employers and others with questions about acceptable continuation of business operations should contact the Agency of Commerce and Community Development via this online form: https://bit.ly/covid-vt-business-operations.

 

 

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DPS encourages Vermonters to avoid disinformation during pandemic

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 

DPS encourages Vermonters to avoid disinformation during pandemic

 

WATERBURY, Vt. (March 21, 2020) — In times of crisis, separating fact from fiction is more important than ever. But doing so can also be more difficult.

 

That’s why the Vermont Department of Public Safety strongly encourages residents to avoid spreading rumors, speculation and disinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Vermonters should turn to trusted sources including their municipal and state governments, established local and national news outlets, and fact-checking and myth-busting resources from federal authorities.

 

“‘Trust but verify’ is the old cliché, but now we need to turn it around: ‘Verify, then trust,’” said Michael Schirling, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Public Safety. “Sharing unfounded rumors, even if you have the best of intentions, can have unintended consequences like spreading fear and stretching already burdened resources even more thin.”

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a comprehensive, regularly updated website to dispel disinformation that is circulating online. The direct link is https://www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control.

 

Additional resources include:

• FEMA: The agency offers a comprehensive overview of the virus and the government’s response efforts. (https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus)
• PolitiFact: The trusted news organization provides a list of seven tips on how to avoid falling for falsehoods surrounding the pandemic. (https://bit.ly/COVIDfactcheck)
• The Journalist’s Toolbox: This service by the Society of Professional Journalists offers an ever-expanding list of verified links to official sources of information and data. (https://bit.ly/ToolboxLinks)

 

People also should be cautious about email scams and malicious websites that are seeking to exploit the current situation. Vermonters are reminded to follow best practices for safety online, including verifying links in messages before following them, ensuring the legitimacy of websites before visiting them, and being especially skeptical of unusual emails.

 

“We want people to stay safe as we all navigate this crisis together,” Commissioner Schirling said. “That includes looking after not only your health, but also the accuracy of information you receive and choose to pass along to others. Be especially wary of unfounded posts on Facebook, links to unknown sources, or text messages that purport to be from someone with special access to insider information. Remember, disinformation can be dangerous.”

 

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Vermont State Police modifies operations in response to COVID-19

 

STATE OF VERMONT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

VERMONT STATE POLICE

 

 

Vermont State Police modifies operations in response to COVID-19

 

 

WATERBURY, Vt. (March 14, 2020) — During these unprecedented times, people, businesses and governments throughout the world are modifying their operations as a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has spread around the globe. In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott declared a state of emergency Friday, enacting steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the most vulnerable.

The Vermont State Police, like law-enforcement agencies nationwide, has planned for this situation and is taking precautions. Commanders have directed members of the state police to make certain modifications to their operations to protect both the workforce and the public.

 

“These modifications are undertaken out of an abundance of caution to ensure we are taking appropriate steps to reduce unnecessary risks of exposure to COVID-19 for members of the Vermont State Police and for Vermont residents,” Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Schirling said. “But I want to be clear: The Vermont State Police is still in full and active operation.”

 

Under the procedures currently in effect, Vermont State Police barracks are staffed, and members are continuing to respond to calls. In some cases, the agency will change the way it handles those calls. For instance, troopers will physically respond to major case investigations such as homicide, and to calls regarding crimes in progress, motor vehicle crashes with injuries, missing persons cases and domestic assault, as a few examples. As needed, troopers may take precautions such as social distancing, consulting with medical first responders, and using personal protective equipment.

In other cases, such as minor motor vehicles crashes, vandalisms and thefts, the state police may take reports from the public over the phone. State police members are making these response decisions in consultation with supervisors. The Vermont State Police encourages people who are victims of these types of crimes to report them over the phone rather than by walking in at a barracks. Additionally, state police members are evaluating the necessity of trainings and travel and will curtail or reschedule those events as appropriate.

“The public should rest assured that our services remain available. We are continuing to function as a law-enforcement agency should under the unusual circumstances we all are facing,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “The state police is taking prudent precautions to ensure we can continue to respond to calls for service, as Vermonters rightfully expect us to do.”

These procedures have been developed by Commissioner Schirling and Col. Birmingham in consultation with health experts. Additional steps, if necessary, will be determined by these same individuals, with the continual goal of ensuring the protection of the lives and safety of all Vermonters.

 

A list of all Vermont State Police barracks, their phone numbers, and the names and email addresses of the commanders of those barracks is available at the following link: https://vsp.vermont.gov/stations.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Adam Silverman

Public information officer, Vermont State Police

adam.silverman@vermont.gov

 

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