Owego Police Chief Vinti to retire

Village of Owego Police Chief, Karen Vinti, has announced that she will retire after this year’s Strawberry Festival; her final date of employment is set for June 19. Vinti’s announcement came a few days after the April 17 Village Board meeting.

After 27 years with the Owego Police Department (OPD), including five years as the Chief of Police, Vinti’s 31-year law enforcement career is one that she is extremely proud of.

Vinti explained that her career has been a remarkable experience and that she has enjoyed all of the time spent working for the people in the Village of Owego.  She also shared that it has been a privilege working with all of the OPD officers and staff. 

“It was all worth it,” Vinti said, adding, “And I would do it all again.”

Vinti commented that she is happy to have made lifelong friends while working in Owego, and also keeps in contact with individuals she met at the Police Academy.  Out of 28 officers who graduated from the Broome County Police Academy with her, Vinti was the only woman.

About her career choice, Vinti said, “It’s all I’ve ever known,” adding that she hopes her contributions have left a positive impact, and in addition, hopes that her success has helped change the perception of women in law enforcement.

For women who are interested in the field today, Vinti says, “If you want to do it, you should,” adding, “For myself, I don’t regret any of it.”  

Vinti, who was promoted to OPD Chief following the flood of 2011, had quite the challenge handed off to her. The previous Chief had already departed when she came on board, which left Vinti without guidance or mentorship.  Before she leaves in June, she said she has committed to help with the next transition.

Assuming the role of Chief after the 2011 flood allowed Vinti the opportunity to rebuild the OPD.  Among many accomplishments, Vinti stated that she is pleased with her work that improved policy and procedure updates, and hiring and training practices, as well as department and equipment upgrades such as new computers.  Vinti’s achievements also include upgrading department weapons, new surveillance equipment, the implementation of TASERS and Body Worn Cameras and the purchase of Live Scan fingerprinting equipment, and all done with no extra cost to taxpayers.   

Today, Vinti has been covering shifts due to previous OPD cuts, yet at the most recent Village Board meeting, board members announced they will pursue reducing the role of the police chief from a full-time position to part-time.  The fate of the department remains a concern, and Vinti announced at the meeting that cuts to the night shift would be made in order to help the Village save money.

Vinti commented that her “hands are tied,” and cited that most individuals do not have a good understanding of the OPD’s daily operations.  However, she will continue to work as she always has, with a focus on leaving on a positive note.

Once she leaves the OPD, Vinti explained that she will miss the social aspect and connection she has had with the community.

Vinti smiled as she told a quick story about meeting people in the downtown area during lunchtime, and who approached her to give her hugs.

Vinti then chuckled, “It’s not every Chief who walks down the street and gets hugs like that.”

Regarding the timing of her retirement announcement, Vinti said, “Another opportunity came at the right time,” and added that she will announce her future plans soon.

Vinti did share that she plans to take some time off and will continue to participate, as a civilian, on the Drug Court panel. The amount of time she will commit to that role will be dependent on her new schedule.

For many years Vinti has been involved in the planning process and working at the annual Strawberry Festival.  She said she looks forward to future years when she can, instead, be just the visitor at the event. This year, Chief Vinti will be the Parade Marshall at the Strawberry Festival.  The parade is planned for June 17 at 10 a.m. in downtown Owego.