Published on June 12, 2020
In response to numerous calls and questions from concerned citizens regarding recent national news of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Town Manager Matthew Sturgis and Thomas Memorial Library Director Rachel Davis hosted a Zoom community conversation on June 9, 2020 with Cape Elizabeth Police Chief Paul Fenton and Cumberland County District Attorney Jonathan Sahrbeck, with approximately 100 Cape Elizabeth community members in virtual attendance. Sturgis said it was the single largest Zoom event that the town has hosted to this point. In what was slated to last one hour, panelists spent nearly two and half hours responding to queries emailed prior to the meeting and direct questions from callers joining in on the Zoom conversation related to police policies, procedures, and training.
Stating that he had previously followed up on citizens' emails with individual phone conversations, Fenton found the need for a community platform to respond to questions and requests related to these issues essential in regaining citizens' trust in the Cape Elizabeth Police Department. Fenton stressed the importance of the department being a reflection of the community and encouraged citizens to always feel welcomed to call or visit him at the department with any questions or comments. In order for the department to provide exactly what the community wants of them, input is needed.
Sahrbeck shared that leading up to this conversation, he had been hearing from people who have lived with experiences of racism in Cumberland County and throughout the nation and are demanding action over statements. Sahrbeck believes that listening and taking action at every level is what will lead to positive changes. This includes education, housing, and health care in addition to the criminal justice system. He stated that he is ready to take action and looks forward to working together so that the nation will not be in the same spot in the future.
Questions broad, numerous
Questions from the callers were numerous and covered a broad range of topics. Fenton replied to callers' questions about department training by stating that as of 2016 all of his officers have been trained in de-escalation techniques, implicit human bias training, bias-based policing, awareness of cultural diversity, policing of cultural diverse communities, verbal judo, certification as emergency medical technicians, and all are certified or awaiting certification in Crisis Intervention Training. Noting that the bulk of service calls relate to mental health crises, CIT training is key in that officers learn how to read body language, how to use soft body language and soft talk to de-escalate. Whereas the Maine Criminal Justice Academy requires that only 30 percent of each department 's officers are trained in CIT, 90 percent of Fenton 's department are certified and heading towards 100 percent. Sahrbeck stated 100 percent of South Portland and Portland officers are CIT certified. As a result of having the majority of Cumberland County officers CIT certified, the National Alliance on Mental Illness has commended the county's status.
The culture of the department includes ongoing education. Currently there are seven officers with master's degrees, five with bachelor's degrees, and one working on a master's. Shortly after being promoted to Chief of Department in 2019, Fenton engaged in a two-year program with a document-management system called PowerDMS. The program supports the creation, tracking of policies, standards, and best practices on a local and national level. It allows Fenton to verify his officers' progress and comprehension of critical policies such as use of force by offering additional training sessions and exams.
Department data and metrics
Other callers asked about the availability of department data and metrics on services provided. Fenton stated as a future goal the revamping of the department's website where such information would be readily accessible. On average, the department receives 10,000 calls for service per year. In 2017 there were two instances where use of force was required. In 2018 there were zero. When Fenton became chief in 2019, he re-crafted the reporting of use of force to include any time an officer puts hands on, or points a weapon at, someone. Even in the situation of utilizing EMT skills, reports must be filed if an officer places hands on a person. Prior to this change, the Academy did not require this depth of reporting. As a result of this change in his department, 2019 showed a spike in use of force reports with five instances. Of these, two were OUI arrests with non-compliant people; one was a medical call where a person was lacking insulin and became combative; and one dealing with a person who had attempted to overdose and became combative once resuscitated. Thus far in 2020 there have been four reports and all have related to mental health and suicide. There have been no allegations or complaints of excessive use of force, nor any complaints in general since he became chief.
School Resource Officer
Other callers wanted to know about the School Resource Officer recently hired to serve the town's schools. Despite a national trend towards removing SRO's, Officer David Galvan has received only high praise for his role in the schools from administrators, students, and parents and is viewed as one of the department's most valued resources. Focusing on creating strong relationships, Galvan has gained the respect of many and has provided numerous opportunities for the department to connect with the community. Most recently, Galvan was involved with a special delivery of caps and gowns to graduating seniors, meal and prescription deliveries upon the onset of COVID-19. Purposefully choosing to wear his uniform in the schools, Galvan hopes to establish a positive association with the department.
Body cameras
Questions about the department using body cameras while on duty also arose. Fenton answered that he has been looking into acquiring them and would fully support doing so if the community chooses to invest. Fenton estimated that such a system would cost approximately $400,000. Currently, all police cars are equipped with in-car camera systems, and officers wear recording devices on their uniforms. Sahrbeck offered that as a prosecutor, he is a fan of body cameras as they provide value and protection to both police and citizens. He encourages the community to engage in a discussions with the Town Council and School Board to gauge interest and willingness to fund the project.
Relatively low budget
Other callers noted the push in other cities and states towards defunding police departments and questioned whether money might be better spent if redirected towards other resources such social services and mental health. Sturgis responded that while larger cities spend approximately 40 percent of the municipal budget on law enforcement, Cape Elizabeth is consistently at the bottom of per-capita spending in the municipal budget among surrounding towns. The police department represents 3.3 percent of this year FY21 municipal. Indicative of the town's priorities, education represents 75 percent of the overall budget.
Both Fenton and Sahrbeck concluded the conversation by admitting that there is a problem with racism in the town, county, state, and nation. Sahrbeck stated "Black Lives Matter," and that everyone should challenge themselves to take a deep look and force change. Fenton shared that while he feels that he has the best department of passionate and ethical officers, they will always strive to do better and seek ways to "refill the reservoir of trust."
A complete video recording of the June 9th conversation can be found on the CETV or Thomas Memorial Library websites.