HAMILTON — The two candidates for chief of police in Hamilton spent their allotted 45 minutes apiece last night trying to convince selectmen they were ready to be the big fish in a small pond, though each has gone to school in a larger pool.
Capt. Michael Murphy, of the Revere Police Department, and Lt. Russell Stevens, a Connecticut state trooper, both said police work is police work, no matter the size of the town.
Both also said they believe in leading by example and cooperating with others to get a job done, but that they don't have much experience creating a budget.
There were differences between the candidates, and the board members may have to judge nuance as much as résumés when making their decisions.
"First and foremost, I'm a family man," Stevens said, and as if to emphasize the point, his wife accompanied him to the interview. Stevens has said he intends to move to Hamilton if hired and enroll his children in the district school system.
"I'm at a crossroads," Murphy said. "It's very unlikely I'll ever be the chief in Revere." The current chief is younger than he is, Murphy said.
When asked to point to a particular accomplishment he believed illuminated his career, Murphy said he had been influential in changing closing times for Revere bars from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. The issue became very political, Murphy said, but he felt it important to pursue it in cooperation with others concerned about safety.
Surrounding towns all had 1 a.m. closings, he said, and Revere became the host of last resort.
"It was a huge change in culture," Murphy said. "It was the single biggest thing you could do to cut crime without spending a dime."
Stevens cited his work as a SWAT team commander, noting he had defused several confrontations that might otherwise have ended in murder and/or suicide. He also pointed out he'd left "my thumbprint" on 550 Connecticut officers through his work as a trainer.
Selectman Jennifer Scuteri posed a "what-if" scenario for both of the hopefuls. She asked what they'd do if they were informed some high-schoolers were partying in an empty house owned by the parents of one of the students, and neighbors were complaining about the noise.
"Meet with the owners (of the empty house) and let them know the consequences," Stevens quickly responded. He went on to say that as a 19-year-old trooper, the first fatality he witnessed was of a 13-year-old struck and killed by a drunken driver.
At first, Murphy said he would investigate to determine what time the next party was planned and then ascertain what activities were occurring. Then, after "rethinking" his response, Murphy said he would also contact the property owners.
Both candidates were asked how they would deal with problems that have beset the Police Department for the past year, and Murphy said he believed in dealing with matters head-on.
"Otherwise you end up dealing with them several times," he said.
Russell said he believed public relations are important for any police department, "They can really sink it," he said.
He noted he had a good relationship with the press in Connecticut and believes that can "truly work to your advantage."
Both candidates said addressing the critical shortage of command-rank officers in the department would be one of their first priorities.
"The entire middle-management doesn't exist right now," Murphy said. Due to illness, injury and a resignation, Sgt. Scott Janes, now the acting police chief, is the only active command officer on the force.
Russell said most departments don't put enough time and effort into training their sergeants as the chiefs of tomorrow.
The men were asked what their management styles were like.
"Praise in public, punish in private," Stevens said.
"Sometimes the best reward for good behavior is to ferret out bad behavior," Murphy said. He noted rewards, in general, are contractually limited, but allowing bad behavior to go unpunished "in my view, is a slap in the face."
Russell also said there are limits, but documenting outstanding behavior is beneficial when it's time for promotions.
Both men said that given the department's current problems, getting to know the community will be an immediate priority, along with putting a best foot forward.
"If you treat the community right, the community will respect the department," Murphy said.
Stevens said he would have an "open-door policy," not just for employees but residents, as well.
"I'm competent in what I do, I'm confident in what I do," Stevens said. "I want to get out and meet people."
The selectmen are expected to name their choice for the job at a 7 o'clock meeting tonight.
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