To the Editor:

The Town of Paris Police Department is undergoing a number of positive, proactive changes, including updating their systems and procedures, offering new services for Paris residents, and expanding collaboration with other Town Depts and agencies.

“We’re reviewing different models of community policing throughout the nation and best practices,” explained new Town Manager Natalie Andrews. “We’re also increasing training and firearm readiness, seeking more grants for new equipment and adding to the Police Department staff.”

Police Chief Michael Dailey recently resigned from the Department after 25 years of service. The Town of Paris will be posting the Chief position in a few days.

Detective Alan Coffin, is the ‘acting Chief’ and has been with the Paris PD for 8 years. He has 27 years in the law enforcement field as well as serving the country as an experienced Veteran.

Justin Cummings has been hired in the former Lieutenant role at the Paris PD. He will help implement new services and increase patrol proactivity and is looking into the increased drug trafficking in Oxford Hills, emergency training with the local schools, and reassessing field training. The former combat Marine Sergeant who was deployed in Afghanistan, has an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and grew up in Oxford Hills. Officer Cummings is glad to raise his young family in his hometown community and is enjoying working with the Paris Police Dept team.

New Officer Jillian Douglas also grew up in town, graduating from Oxford Hills High School. She recently completed her officer training, ran in the local Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser for the Special Olympics and has been doing a great job on the Paris Police force these past two months.

The Paris Police Dept. is also advertising for an additional patrol officer position and potential candidates can apply online or at the Town office.

Certified K-9 Officer Breagh Pyburn reports that Rocket, the Paris Police Dog, an energetic five year old Belgian Malinois, trained in tracking, apprehension, evidence, narcotics, obedience and agility, has assisted the Paris Police and other local law enforcement agencies in a number of searches and arrests. Recent donations enabled the Paris Police Dept. to purchase a new Bite Suit and Rocket will do a demonstration for the public before the end of the year.

The Paris Police and Paris Fire Depts continue to do a lot of cross-training and this positive collaboration during accidents, medical incidents and emergencies will continue to expand.

KC Christensen

Rec. & Community Development Director

Paris