Details of hidden misconduct raise doubts about discipline within Maine State Police
An investigation into discipline cases concealed by the agency finds examples of inadequate punishments, some experts say.
By Erin Rhoda, Matt Byrne and Callie Ferguson
Photo illustration by Coralie Cross/Bangor Daily News
This is the second of three stories jointly investigated and written by the Portland Press Herald and Bangor Daily News about how the Maine State Police conceals officer wrongdoing. The Pulitzer Center helped fund the project.
One Maine State Police trooper hindered an investigation into his former fiancee’s hit and run.
Another kept secret that he saw a fellow officer punch a handcuffed man in the face.
The committee narrowly voted in favor of the project by a 4-3-1 vote.
Committee Chairwoman Lynn Bruneau, Vice Chairwoman Elaine Baird and members Nicholas Athanassiou and Roger Pearson voted to support the project. Members Robert Renn, Edmund Mahoney and Russell Lavoie voted against the project, and Timothy Counihan chose to abstain.
Those who voted in favor of the project cited the need for repairs and renovations at the nearly 50-year old school building; the laborious planning already done by the School Building Committee, architects and civil engineers; and the assurance of $36 million in state aid for the project, which can be claimed if the project is approved by May 31.