Biddeford seeks input from community during police chief recruitment

BIDDEFORD — The City of Biddeford is seeking input on what characteristics the public want to see in a new police chief.

Police Chief Roger Beaupre announced in September that he will be retiring in January, after what will be 51 years of service to the city.

City Manager Jim Bennett is conducting an inclusive recruitment process to find a successor, according to a press release from the city.

“A major piece of the recruitment process is centered around gathering public input on the professional and personal qualities the community wants to see in its next Police Chief,” said the city in the press release.

Bennett and Mayor Alan Casavant are currently seeking two residents to serve on a nine-member interview panel as part of the hiring process. Members of the interview panel will review resumes and determine the candidates to be interviewed. After this review, the panel will forward at least three candidates to the city manager for final consideration.

Residents who would like to serve on the interview panel can submit your name and contact information to the executive assistant, Shelly MacNeill at Shelly.MacNeill@Biddefordmaine.org by Oct. 31.

The public will also have the opportunity to address the city council during a public input session at 6 p.m. at the Nov. 1 City Council meeting. Community members can participate at this meeting in person or through Zoom.

Residents will have the opportunity to speak directly to the city manager regarding their thoughts and concerns on a new police chief during a Zoom meeting from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. Community members also have the option to submit comments, thoughts or concerns about the qualities desired in a new police chief through an online portal. The form for online comments, as well as links to access all online feedback meetings, may be found at www.biddefordmaine.org/policechiefrecruitment .