Berwick’s unhappy police department

The town of Berwick had a strong police department from the time of incorporation in 1923 , so it came as a big surprise in September 1967 to find town council was having difficulty solving problems centered around its police force.

Among the complaints voiced by the council was the matter of the chief of police’s assistant carrying a gun during the course of his duties. The police committee stated they had given the chief orders he forbid the assistant to carry a firearm. The assistant was also not to wear a police uniform unless on duty. Both of these orders were not carried out and, when the chief was asked by the committee for an explanation, he stated he had the given his assistant the order to do so.

The police committee expressed amazement such an order, when given, had been ignored and queried as to whom was in charge when it came to instructing the police as to their duties. At this point, the town clerk read Section 56 of the town bylaws, which stated police officers and all special and extra constables appointed by the council shall be under the direction, control and authority of the police committee and mayor.

Council members then heard a motion allowing the police committee to set down rules they wanted followed and enforced. A copy would be sent to the chief of police, who would be granted permission to take the balance of his vacation before the end of September. He would remain on the force until the next regular meeting of the council, when the case would be again reviewed. The motion was passed, with one vote against.

A motion was also passed the assistant, who had been employed by the town for street work and part-time police duties until the end of September, be notified his employment would terminate September 30, 1967.

In summarizing what appeared to be a distressing situation, the mayor stated, in fairness to the chief of police, he must say, on the bright side, the chief had done excellent work in erecting and painting signs in the town and he felt this was beyond the call of duty and showed he was taking an interest in the town. He also noted the manner in which the chief kept himself well dressed, creating a favourable impression on people coming into town.

The police committee chairman then asked to be relieved of his position, citing he could not afford to take such time required for the committee away from his business.

The chief of police, the highest paid offer in the town’s history at that time, tendered his resignation in the latter part of August. Another council member was then disturbed by rumours it had all been cut and dried that one chief would be hired and another fired. He said he was certain town council would not be party to such conniving.