Aroostook County has a brand new sheriff
A 15-year legislation enforcement veteran is Aroostook County’s new sheriff.
Peter A. Johnson of Presque Isle, most not too long ago the legislation enforcement division commander for the sheriff’s workplace, took the helm on Sept. 1 when former Sheriff Shawn Gillen retired.
Gov. Janet Mills appointed him as sheriff on Aug. 31 to complete Gillen’s elected time period.
Beneath Maine legislation, the governor should appoint somebody enrolled in the identical political occasion because the departing sheriff, till a brand new successor is chosen by election. Gillen was a Democrat. Johnson will serve till an election for sheriff subsequent 12 months.
Johnson steps into the place as legislation enforcement throughout Maine struggles to seek out sufficient officers. That pattern has not affected Aroostook County Sheriff’s Workplace, probably attributable to a constructive working atmosphere and continued coaching on psychological sickness and substance use problems, Johnson stated Thursday.
The sheriff’s workplace has a full patrol employees of 16 deputies and two commanders, and so far as Johnson is aware of the Aroostook County Jail, with 34 staff, is the one one within the state that’s totally staffed.
“We’re the exception. As most individuals are conscious, it looks like the state police are having a more durable and more durable time getting candidates,” Johnson stated. “We’ve been actually lucky that it hasn’t impacted us right here, however I don’t understand how lengthy we’re going to have the ability to survive that.”
Throughout Maine, legislation enforcement has struggled to seek out sufficient officers. The Maine State Police decreased rural patrols final 12 months, citing difficulties filling positions. Earlier this 12 months, Boothbay Harbor was amongst 25 short-staffed departments, and Limestone closed its police division in April attributable to lack of employees.
However some locations in Aroostook County are on the wholesome facet of the pattern. The Presque Isle Police Division has a full roster for the primary time in about 5 years. Johnson hopes the sheriff’s workplace continues in the suitable path.
Johnson previously labored in social providers. He began his legislation enforcement profession on the Presque Isle Police Division in 2008, serving as a patrol officer and home violence detective. He transferred to the Maine Drug Enforcement Company, then in 2014 joined the sheriff’s workplace as a patrol deputy.
4 years later, he turned supervisor of the drug enforcement company, and final October returned to the sheriff’s workplace as commander of the patrol division.
Johnson will formally be sworn in as sheriff at a later date. He may also identify a brand new patrol commander.
Psychological well being and substance use problems high The County’s legislation enforcement issues as officers encounter increasingly people who find themselves affected, Johnson stated.
A number of deputies have taken disaster intervention staff coaching, which teaches officers about a number of situations, what providers can be found and learn how to work together with individuals with these situations, homelessness or different issues, he stated.
Throughout his almost 5 years as sheriff, Gillen advocated for a brand new jail. The Aroostook County Jail in Houlton was inbuilt 1889 and underwent its final main renovation within the late Eighties.
Johnson favors a brand new facility, however he hopes the constructing would come with remedy areas for these with psychological well being and substance use problems. The jail does what it could possibly, however its capability is restricted, he stated.
“I believe we ought to be giving all people on the jail the most effective alternative to achieve success after they depart,” he stated.
Johnson stated he would instantly begin on the budgeting course of. He additionally needs to think about how the workplace might be ready for legislation enforcement shortages.
Proper now the division is in place, due largely to employees who’re captivated with what they do, he stated.
Johnson labored with Gillen on many ventures, like bettering communications and recordkeeping, stated Aroostook County Administrator Ryan D. Pelletier.
“I don’t suppose the general public fully understands the investments made within the sheriff’s workplace that Peter was part of, and I imagine he’ll proceed that work,” Pelletier stated.
These tasks included a $1 million enhanced document administration system that each one deputies and native police departments can entry, and an ongoing communications tower improve to enhance radio transmission by legislation enforcement, fireplace and ambulance personnel, Pelletier stated.
Johnson is a lifelong Aroostook County resident. He and his spouse, Chelsie, dwell in Presque Isle and have a daughter, 31, and a son, 3 1/2.
