The village of Whitehall in Washington County could be doing away with its police department.

In the past year, five full-time officers of the small department have taken jobs elsewhere, leaving only nine part-time officers.

Sgt. Dick LaChapelle, the officer in charge, says the village is in discussions with the Washington County Sheriff about regularly patrolling Whitehall. LaChapelle says the sheriff would provide coverage 20 hours a day, seven days a week at a significant cost savings to Whitehall taxpayers.

The sheriff’s office has been patrolling Fort Edward since that police department dissolved last year. Murphy tells NewsChannel 13 his agreement with Fort Edward has worked well. “We have a good model to use for Whitehall to ensure coverage should the village choose to contract with us.”

The Whitehall Village Board is expected to take up the issue at its July 16 meeting.