MEMO

To: Damariscotta Community Members

From: Andrew Dorr, Town Manager

Date: November 4, 2025

Re: Invitation for Thoughtful and Visionary Questions for the Police Chief Candidate

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The selection process for Damariscotta's next Chief of Police is underway, and community input is a critical component of finding the right leader for our town. We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and community-focused leader with excellent communication skills and a commitment to transparency and community partnership.

As part of this process, we invite all community members to submit thoughtful and visionary questions for the finalists for the police chief position.  Candidates will be asked to address these during the interview process. This is an opportunity to help ensure the selected candidate is the best fit for our community's unique needs and future.

We encourage you to consider questions that explore the candidate's philosophy, experience, and vision for the department, such as:

• Their approach to building and maintaining community trust and transparency.
• Their philosophy on community policing and how they plan to engage with residents, businesses, and visitors to determine their needs.
• How they would balance the need for strong law enforcement with civil liberties and community concerns.
• Their approach to officer wellness, accountability, and professional development.
• How they plan to adapt to changing crime trends and leverage technology effectively.

Submission Guidelines:

Please submit your questions by November 12th at 4:00 PM via:

• Email: adorr@damariscotta.maine.gov
• In-Person: Drop off written questions at 21 School St, Damariscotta Town Office

Questions will be reviewed and synthesized by the Town Manager to ensure a standardized list of relevant questions is asked of the candidate, while avoiding repetition.

Use of Questions Details:

The selected questions will be posed to the police chief candidate(s) prior to their interview with the search committee.  Their responses will help inform the committee as to their vision and approach to questions that may not otherwise be included in the interview process.  

Your participation is vital in this important decision-making process. Thank you for your commitment to the safety and future of Damariscotta.

Sincerely,