Jim began his 37 – year law enforcement career at the Hancock County, ME Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy and worked his way through the ranks for 17 years, becoming Patrol Lieutenant. Jim next worked for the Hancock County District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Witness Advocate. He assisted victims of crimes while they were involved with the criminal justice system, provided support for victims of felony level crimes including sexual assault and child abuse. Jim provided support personally by coordinating services for victims with community-based advocacy services and outreach programs. He also assisted prosecuting attorneys with preparing cases and coordinated witness appearances for the Superior Court. assisting crime victims, witnesses, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. In 2003, Jim became the Chief of Police in the Town of Mount Desert and later served simultaneously as Bar Harbor’s Police Chief for 10 years. While working as a Shared Chief of Police, Jim built and maintained partnerships with federal, state, county and local partnering agencies, community groups, school, and hospital administrators. Jim facilitated agency participation in a variety of Task Forces and grant initiatives to address issues including drug addiction, underage drinking, human trafficking, impaired driving, and other traffic safety issues. A comprehensive paid and permit parking program was implemented during his tenure which continues to generate significant revenue for the municipality. Cruise ship tourism management and other tourism related issues that come with working in and around Acadia National Park were focus areas of Jim’s work.
While serving as Chief of Police, Jim was active with the Maine Chiefs of Police Association, serving as President 2014-2015. He also worked with the International Chiefs of Police Association as a mentor for new Police Chiefs and with the leading by legacy program. He represented the Maine Chiefs of Police Association on the Maine Elder Death Analysis Review Team for several years, was a member of Attorney General multi-disciplinary task forces tasked with investigate and report out on a variety of
topics, including use of force against mentally ill people, stalking investigation procedures and related legislation.
Jim worked with the group of Police Chiefs who developed the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (MLEAP) and chaired the MLEAP committee for the Maine Chiefs of Police Association from its inception until his retirement in 2023.
Working at Dirigo Safety LLC., Jim is a Law Enforcement Liaison for the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and serves as the Program Manager for the Maine Chiefs of Police Associations Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program.