Residents in Stanford do not have a police department.

Last night the village board voted to put Stanford Police Chief Everett Copeland on paid administrative leave until an investigation by the McLean County Sheriff's Department is completed.

Stanford business owner Jake Owen said, "It's not a good idea to not have law enforcement. I hope no matter what the issue is it gets worked out. There's a brand new police car in Stanford and there's no police to drive it around. I would hope as a business owner for the safety of the public there would be law enforcement around."

McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery says the county currently patrols Stanford, but will now provide maximum coverage until village officials resolve the matter.

Emery says one of his deputies who worked part time in Stanford has been placed on administrative leave from the sheriff's department pending the outcome of an incident March 21.

Stanford village attorney Mark McGrath would not comment on the situation.

Resident Teresa Dickson said, "The police usually they drive around town, they drive down your street every couple hours maybe more than that so you don't have that now."

Sheriff Emery said, "We're gonna live up to our obligation and we're gonn ensure that they have a police protection out there and I would say to them don't be alarmed.

Emery says the extra patrols will occur primarily during the times Stanford police would have been on duty. He expects the arrangement to be temporary until after the investigation when village officials will be able to resolve the matter.

News 25 made attempts to contact Stanford village president Margaret Campbell, but she did not return our calls.