NEW SALEM — After considering input from residents and members of the Police Future Committee, the Selectboard has opted to advertise for a full-time police chief’s position, rather than keep the job 19 hours per week.
The decision came after current Police Chief John Bonafini announced his retirement at the Dec. 8 meeting. Bonafini told the Selectboard that he can continue to work until a replacement is found, and he outlined staffing and administrative demands that exceed a schedule of 19 hours weekly.
Earlier this month, the Police Future Committee recommended that the police chief’s job become a 40-hour position.
“A 40-hour-per week chief … keeps supervisory duties clearly defined. It reduces subordinates taking on responsibilities their job descriptions don’t call for. There’s more administrative hours available, 40 versus 19. This understands the peak-and-valley nature of public safety,” said Cameron Dunbar, who serves on the Police Future Committee.
Dunbar added that since the department “reengaged [its] mission,” three years ago, there has been a large increase in arrests and citations. He clarified that this was not from an increase in crime, but rather an increase in community policing and traffic enforcement.
After the Selectboard voted to approve making the position full-time, the discussion turned to whether to advertise publicly or to appoint internally. Several residents spoke to the benefits of internal appointment, while others emphasized the desirability of casting a wide net in the hiring process.
“I think that there is enough interests and arguments on both sides that we should do the thing that’s fairest for everybody,” Selectboard member Richard Taupier said.
The Selectboard concluded that it would post the position publicly, with a note that it is “extremely interested in internal candidates,” as Taupier stated in his motion.
Taupier added that he would like to see several members of the Police Future Committee serve on the hiring committee for the next chief.