A police chief search committee has been formed which will screen the in-house candidates to see if there is a suitable fit. The committee will consist of the town manager, assistant town manager, and chief financial officer. The committee typically is comprised of the out-going department head, but due to the sudden retirement, Roy will not be involved.

While the search begins, Sgt. James Emerson will be the acting chief and will present department information to the town council during the budget hearings that begin on May 15. Dexter town manager David Pearson hopes to have a candidate selected by June 1.

"I think it would be a little unfair to hire a new person especially if they are unfamiliar with the department to throw them right into the budget process right off, so for better or worse the acting chief will be answering the council's questions," said Pearson.

Dexter officials will be following a similar hiring procedure in which it used to fill the position in 2004. Roy, a former Maine State Trooper, saw the posting on the town's website while working for a Florida criminal justice academy. Prior to Roy's hiring, Dexter officials interviewed in-house candidates Emerson, Allen Grinnell, and Kevin Wintle. As of May 4, no Dexter police officers have expressed interest in the position.

If town officials are not satisfied with the in-house candidate, then the position will be advertised on the town's website and local newspapers.

The Dexter police department is comprised of six full-time and five reserve officers and has an annual budget of $332,699. The chief's position is a full-time wage position which pays between $35,000-$50,000. Dexter officials are looking for someone that has an understanding of law enforcement procedures and supervisory capability, according to Pearson.
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