By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Bridgton could soon be taking a bigger bite out of crime.

By spring 2023, the Bridgton Police Department will add a K-9 unit to its law enforcement ranks. Police Chief Phil Jones included adding a K-9 in his proposed budget this spring, but the Select Board felt that “the time wasn’t right” based on other needs.

Undeterred, the chief looked for another path to fund a K-9 program. And, he found one. Chief Jones landed a grant from the Stanton Foundation’s K-9 Grant Program (based in New York), whose mission is to increase the number of communities with K-9 units.

Grants of $32,000 (no town match) will cover the costs of purchasing the dog, training, kennel facilities at the officer’s home, retrofitting a cruiser for the exclusive use of the K-9 unit, food and veterinary car for the first three years.

Chief Jones noted that the town would also receive a $1,100 per week reimbursement for every week (up to 14 weeks) of patrol school that the handler is unavailable for normal duties. Once a dog and handler have completed specialty certification (such as drug detection), the town/department is eligible to be reimbursed $4,500 pending confirmation the K-9 unit has been certified.

Any catches? The town must commit to the K-9 unit for a minimum of five years. The K-9 and handler must train at one of five Foundation-approved sites — one is the Maine State Police.

Chief Jones presented the Select Board with a “model budget” provided by the Foundation. The three-year cost is projected at $30,470 with $1,530 reserved for future K-9 skills training, reaching the grant total of $32,000.

BPD will need to provide the Foundation with quarterly reports on K-9 unit use and financials for the first year, and annual reports for the next three years. “Timely” reports will be expected regarding K-9 incidents or complaints.

Why does BPD need a K-9? In his letter during the budget process, Chief Jones said a K-9 will “increase officer safety, deter ongoing illegal drug trafficking, and equip the police department with a tool that can be used for tracking dangerous suspects and locating missing persons.”

He noted a dog’s presence can diffuse certain situations. “The presence of a patrol K-9 is a deterrent to combative individuals and frequently leads to less need for hands-on police tactics to bring suspects under arrest,” he wrote. “This decrease in forcing officers to apply various uses of force creates an environment with less opportunity for work-related injury and/or incidents that could result in litigation.”

BPD had a K-9 program before 2007. 

“We are having growing issues with illegal drugs, trafficking and transportation and overdoses. Having a K-9 to help detect drugs would be very helpful,” Chief Jones said. “I feel strongly this program will immensely benefit the town.”

The chief noted that the department has seen rising numbers of “searches” needed to find individuals suffering from mental health issues and dementia.

Selectman Bob McHatton questioned whether the K-9 is trained for a single handler? While one handler will accompany the K-9 to the Academy for training, Chief Jones pointed out that unlike years ago, there has been a shift when it comes to a handler leaving the department and taking the dog. The K-9 can be “re-purposed” — taking on a new partner, who undergoes training with the dog. Dog training includes search, apprehension and obedience, then it’s off to specialty certification (in Bridgton’s case, it will be drug detection).

“My feeling, the (K-9) program promotes longevity in keeping an officer. That officer knows it’s at least a five-year commitment,” the chief said.

The K-9 becomes part of the handler’s family — with the officer 24/7.

“This dog is with you 24/7, and training goes on all the time as they grow together,” Chief Jones added.

When asked if current BPD officers have expressed an interest in becoming a handler, Chief Jones said there is a “solid two” and possibly a third candidate. A committee (consisting of experts in the K-9 field) will be created to handle applicant interviews.

Board Chairwoman Carmen Lone asked whether BPD would make the K-9 available to other towns? Chief Jones said Bridgton has benefitted for the past 18 years other departments with K-9s coming here to assist local law enforcement. Now, BPD would return the favor — of course, following policy with the shift supervisor looking at requests on a case-by-case basis.

Lone also asked whether the town would need to purchase another cruiser for the K-9 unit. Chief Jones said “no,” a current cruiser would be fitted with necessary items for the K-9.

Lone admitted she was against adding a K-9 earlier this year during the budget process, but after seeing violent crimes unfolding in Greater Portland and Lewiston recently, she has changed her mind.

“It would be better for us to be proactive than reactive,” Lone said.

The Board agreed, supporting the K-9 proposal by a 4-0 vote.

In other police news:

• Bridgton Fire Chief Glen Garland at press time Tuesday said the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bridgton PD and Bridgton FD are “continuing the investigation” as to the cause and who started the fire that destroyed the Highland Lake Beach bathroom facility.

• Speeding on certain town roads has been a lingering problem, but maybe motorists will find it is worth slowing down and following the posted limits.

Police Chief Phil Jones said BPD has reviewed complaint letters and has run regular traffic details in trouble spots, as well as the school zone on Portland Road. The result, 39 stops and a “plethora” of summonses.

“The officers have been instructed to give the public what it has been asked for — putting some teeth behind speed limits,” Chief Jones said.

When asked about data collected by the electronic speed limit signs, Chief Jones declined to go into full details, but noted that reports of vehicles traveling 10 to 15 mph over the posted limit on Kansas Road were accurate based on sign data.