Wilton police back, in force

WILTON - The Wilton Police Department once again has authority to investigate criminal complaints involving juvenile victims, new Police Chief Wayne Gallant said Thursday.

Gallant, who took over leadership of the department Monday, said he received a letter dated Feb. 9 from District Attorney Norm Croteau. It rescinds a Dec. 7 memorandum to interim Chief Ed Leahy that required those complaints to be handled by the Franklin County Sheriff's Department.

State prosecutors brought concerns about the department to Town Manager Peter Nielsen last year, prompting the shift in responsibility.

The district attorney's office also asked the Maine Criminal Justice Academy's Board of Trustees to investigate, and Gallant said Thursday that he has not yet heard about a response.

The town hired the association to evaluate the department's internal practices and policies. The review began in January. A report is expected next month.

Gallant, a former Rumford detective, lieutenant and 25-year law enforcement officer, said he is in the process of implementing policies and practices to meet the standards of the association.

He said he will report to selectmen next week.

The chief said he plans to visit business owners and community members to make them feel comfortable and to encourage them to visit the Police Station.

He and Fire Chief Sonny Dunham also plan to encourage residents to use the front entrance to the combined police and fire station rather than the side entrance to the Police Department, which has people walking into a garage bay.

Gallant said he and Dunham are also looking at moving the emergency phone attached to the side of the station to the front of the building for safety and ease of the public.