The chief says no services will be cut.
By Samantha C. DePoy
Staff Writer

FARMINGTON – A flurry of personnel changes has shaken up the schedule at the Farmington Police Department.

But the department’s chief urges those with lead feet or sticky fingers not to get too overzealous. Town cops are still watching.

The chalk talk is this:

Officer Shane Campbell, who has served since 2000 as the Mount Blue High School resource officer, has left the department and thus the post at the school.

Campbell’s official last day on the force is Jan. 22, however, he has unofficially already left and is using vacation time to end his two weeks notice.

There was no resource officer at the school since classes resumed this month after the winter break.

Meanwhile, Lt. Jack Peck left this week to head south to Quantico, Va., where he is attending a 10-week training academy put on by the FBI.

Chief Richard E. Caton III said Peck has been on the list for the training for four years.

“This is one of the best, if not the best, training for law enforcement executives in the world,” Caton said. “I am sure he’ll bring back a lot of knowledge that will benefit the department and therefore help the citizens of the town.”

As if the chief’s job of making the weekly schedule wasn’t tough enough with Campbell and Peck out, the department’s only detective has been busy helping state police crack the homicide case in Wilton and involved in the Farmington trial of Joshua Osborne, charged with shooting his mother.

The department has 13 officers, according to the town Web site.

Caton said his first priority is filling the school position. That job, he explained, helps with department visibility and gives law enforcement interaction with students in a non-threatening arena.

The officer at the school is there to talk with students, teach, speak, deal with any criminal activity and help with any disciplinary hearings.

“It’s a very good program and it’s helped tremendously,” Caton said. “It’s just another resource for our students.”

So far, two in-house officers have expressed interest in the position left open by Campbell’s exit. By Friday afternoon, Caton hopes to pick one and have them installed at Mount Blue by Monday. He said he feels confident the person he chooses will be able to replace Campbell.

The move to the school, however, will leave a position behind that needs to be filled.

Caton said he will await direction from selectmen and the town manager regarding that.

For now, “We’re all just tightening our belts and picking up the slack,” he said.

No services to the public will be cut, the chief stressed. “It’ll be service as usual,” Caton said, and with a laugh added, “No speeding.”

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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