By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES—Naples’ elected officials are chomping at the bit to get law enforcement coverage in place this summer.

The preference is that a police presence be in town from later in the afternoon until a few hours after midnight. However, town officials were informed that perhaps an earlier shift of noon to 10 p.m. would be more convenient to fill.

One elected official said it would be unfortunate for the town to be stuck without law enforcement coverage for another summer because officials didn’t accept the shift being offered.

It’s been a long time coming.

Last year, residents at town meeting supported the cost of having a deputy in town full time. The service would have meant  having full-time police coverage during the busy months from May to September. However, a shortage of staff at the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) dashed those hopes. Additionally, the law-enforcement personnel shortage was indicative of a trend statewide.

On Monday, Naples Town Manager John Hawley said the tide has turned.

“The sheriff’s department is just short of guaranteeing the coverage we are looking for this summer. And, I believe they have a plan in place to make that work,” Hawley said.

What the CCSO is putting together is a package that will serve the needs of the regional school district and the town. Cumberland County will be in charge of hiring a resource officer for School Administrative District (SAD) 61. That person will also work four days a week as the law-enforcement officer in Naples. The school will be paying 66% of the cost and the two will share 34% for the new hire.

However, the best time for the shift might not be ideal for the town.

“They are requesting however to modify the schedule from our first choice of 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. to our second choice of noon to 10 p.m. It would be easier for them to ensure coverage this year with the noon to 10 schedule, Thursday through Sunday,” Hawley said.

Chairman Jim Grattelo said the first choice was better for the town’s needs.

“The issues happen after 10 p.m. Our boating issues start in the afternoon,” Grattelo said, adding that the later hours are the problem times.

Selectman Bob Caron II said that it was better to accept whatever coverage CCSO can give the town than to go without.

“If they are having issues finding someone, we should have someone at least until 10 p.m. . . . If

they cannot do until 2 a.m., at least til 10 p.m. would work,” Caron said.

He said if the town didn’t jump on the offer, it could end up with no law enforcement coverage again.

Chairman Grattelo instructed Hawley to communicate with CCSO that the service is still greatly desired but the preference is coverage during the hours between 4 p.m. and 2 a.m.

“Send a letter, saying we would strongly prefer that time,”  Grattelo said.