By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Bridgton Police Chief Phil Jones reads about lawsuits municipalities across the country face regarding law enforcement incidents, the “common threads” circle back to failures in training and supervision.

One solution is to employ a Deputy Chief.

“The deputy chief can lift some of the responsibilities off the shoulders of our sergeants,” Chief Jones told Select Board members during their recent budget workshop. “The deputy chief would be second in command, and handle internal investigations. It would be a non-union position.”

When asked if he would look outside of BPD or promote from within, Chief Jones responded, “I would look for the best possible, qualified candidate.” He noted other Maine departments such as Falmouth, Gorham, Windham and Scarborough all employ a deputy chief.

The police department has an “open” detective position

Town Manager Robert Peabody supports the deputy chief position, but based on other department needs, he suggested that the request be put on the shelf until the next budget season.

Selectman Bob McHatton was quick to voice his non-support for the proposed deputy chief position. After some discussion, Selectman Paul Tworog joined McHatton’s side. Selectman Ken Murphy supported the request saying, “I believe in a strong Police Department, always have. People need all the protection and help we can get.”

While Select Board member Carrye Castleman-Ross also supported the request, Board Chair Carmen Lone felt this was not the year to add another position.

The Select Board supported purchasing a new cruiser, but dumped the deputy chief position.

The police budget includes purchasing a new cruiser ($49,000), keeping with the strategy to retire patrol cars just under 100,000 miles. On some occasions, the retired cruiser is then used by another department.

The town’s two part-time park rangers used the electric car, which is on loan from Efficiency Maine, or walked or bicycled. Peabody said the electric car three-year agreement ends April 2024. With the cost to purchase expected to be in the upper $20,000 range, Peabody expects the town will return the vehicle to Efficiency Maine.

Chief Jones also included in his budget a portable drug testing machine, which scans a substance and determines what it is — thus limiting officers’ exposure to lethal drugs such as Fentanyl. There have been cases across the nation when officers collapse and suffer overdoses due to Fentanyl exposure, requiring Narcan to revive them.

“The machine carries a high price tag, but the value is it helps limit our contact with narcotics,” Chief Jones said.

Fire Department — While Fire Chief Glen Garland said his proposed budget has “little change,” one big ticket item is $72,000 for a new vehicle. The chief is currently using a retired BPD cruiser. He wants to replace the 2013 Explorer with a four-wheel drive, half-ton pick-up truck.

The selling point is Chief Garland wants to structure the capped bed area to serve as a command post during fires and law enforcement emergencies.

“It makes sense,” Selectman McHatton said.

The Select Board supported the purchase.

While departmental reviews are in the book, finalization will remain in the works. Peabody noted during Tuesday’s Select Board meeting that SAD 61 Superintendent of Schools Al Smith will meet with town officials on March 28 to go over the school district’s proposed budget, as well as projected tax assessments (see related story).