Selectmen to Discuss Proposal for Revamped Structuring of Police Department

At its meeting Wednesday, the Board of Selectmen will discuss some recommended staffing changes made by Police Chief Christopher Arciero.

With the retirement of Deputy Chief Donald B. Hull, Arciero has suggested some changes that would keep the number of sworn personnel at 15, but restructure the department somewhat.

The first change the chief is recommending is to reclassify the Deputy Chief position to captain, according to town documents.

It would remain a non-union position, but come with an updated job description. In theory it could be open to people outside of the department, but those conversations would come if and when the change is approved, town officials said.

In addition, Arciero is recommending the creation of a lieutenant position — essentially a night/weekend shift commander that would have some administrative duties and have command of the dispatchers. The lieutenant would be part of the police union, which would have to approve the creation of the position. It would also be first offered to the union.

The new position would give officers more chance for advancement both in and out of the department, Arciero stated in a memo to town officials.

In addition, the proposed changes include elimination of the daytime sergeant in exchange for another patrol officer. That would eventually result in one less sergeant, but the chief and captain could cover supervisory needs during the day, Arciero wrote in a memo to the town.

In a memo to the town, Arciero said he has had 17 months to evaluate the department and feels the timing is right to make recommendations.

“With the retirement of Deputy Chief Hull and the need for a replacement, I feel the time is right for a reconsideration of the administrative and operational structure of the Canton Police Department,” he wrote.

Selectmen will hear more about the plan at its meeting Wednesday in the Community Center. It starts at 7 p.m. in Room F.