WILTON — A discussion between police Chief Dennis Brown and residents on what each side sees as public safety issues is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the First Congregational Church on Main Street.

As part of an ongoing series of programs sponsored by the Wilton Group, everyone is invited to participate, said Angela Werner, Wilton Group communications chairwoman.

While police have an understanding of what their job is, the community may have different concerns, her husband, Michael Hoehne, added. Burglaries and speeders may monopolize police time, but residents may have concerns about other issues such as littering, graffiti, harassment, skateboarders in the road or diapers thrown on the beach.

“We all will try to get a clearer picture of how the Wilton Police Department fits into our ideals of quality of life, and what balance of efforts will make Wilton the best little town in Maine,” he said.

Chief Brown will explain the police department’s concerns and provide a picture of the frequency and seriousness of the issues dealt with by Wilton police and how they are addressing those issues.

Residents will then have an opportunity to comment on things they see as problems. Police and residents’ concerns may not match, Hoehne said.

The discussion will also include how police and residents can work together to address these issues, Werner said.

While residents may not always hear about crime activity on a day-to-day basis, Werner said she was interested in hearing more about police issues after Brown explained to selectmen this week how the department didn’t have to apply for but was awarded a $10,853 grant based on Wilton crime rate per capita, she said.

Ron Asseltine will moderate the discussion. The program is part of the Wilton Group’s mission “to preserve, enhance, and promote the unique character of Wilton by facilitating communication, engagement and cooperation within the community.”

For more information, call 778-9026 or e-mail [email protected]

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