The New Market Town Council unanimously approved a measure Monday allowing police to issue trespass notices on behalf of property owners who have given prior authorization, streamlining a process that previously required certified letters from landlords or managers.

Police Chief Chris Rinker said the change will help officers address disturbances and unwanted guests more effectively, particularly during nighttime hours when businesses are closed.

“It’s a way that a citizen can optionally, if they want to, designate the New Market Police Department as the person in charge of the building for purposes of trespass,” Town Attorney Jason Ham said.

“Often, at times, apartment complexes and businesses in town, during the nighttime hours, there’s no one there and we have someone who is trespass

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