Insulting and dishonest

Paris Police Chief David Verrier tendered his resignation on a Monday and by Tuesday, Selectboard Chairman Sam Elliot, announced that an audit of the police department, due to start this week, would be cancelled.

Despite public assurances that the audit was not a response to allegations against Verrier made by a couple of residents and a former Paris officer, its abrupt cancellation says otherwise.

What a slap in face to a chief who has given a large chunk of his life to serving the citizens of Paris.

And what a shot in the town's own foot to cancel an audit that would have served both the town and whoever fills the chief's position.

Clearly the select board doesn't understand what an audit is or does.

And just as clearly, the board lied to its constituency when it insisted the audit had nothing to do with the allegations or Chief Verrier.

An audit is not an investigatory tool into specific personnel, but an analysis of the department as a whole, complete with accolades for what works and suggestions for what might need improvement with support for maximizing the department.

Mentors are assigned if needed. The Maine Chiefs of Police Association objectively audits a department and is there for continuing support to the department's chief – regardless of who that might be.

One could suggest that the audit was cancelled to save the cost – $6,000. How shortsighted.

Any new chief, according to the police chiefs we have spoken with, would welcome the results of an audit. It would be a road map for success.

An audit identifies ways to maximize inventory: training, staff, facilities, equipment and budget. It looks at protocol, makes suggestions on how to improve, shares standards and best practices. It has nothing to do with personalities and everything to do with enabling a department to reach its potential.

Myopia has long afflicted Paris. Now we can add dishonesty.

To Chief Verrier and Lt. Dailey, we say "thank you."