During my sixteen years of law enforcement, I've encountered plenty of tough cases - but witnessing the devastation of sexual assault and the trauma of child abuse have been the most challenging for me. Certainly, I never appreciated how sheltered and protected I was growing up until I came face-to-face with the reckless disregard some individuals hold for the health, safety and security of others. As I was exposed to the negative side of human nature, though, I was lucky to simultaneously meet, interact, and learn from a group of folks who soldier along with the goals of stopping predatory behavior, holding law-breakers accountable for their behavior, healing physical and emotional wounds, and working to educate men and women - young and old - in an effort to eradicate sexual abuse and child abuse.
For me, there was never any thought of playing my role as a police officer in an "us versus them" light - I knew from day one that the professionals in the medical, prosecutorial, welfare, counseling, educational and support fields all had roles to play that were equally important to mine - and that the skills those men and women brought to bear eclipsed mine, in many cases. For all these reasons, I have tried to reach out and work collaboratively with as many individuals and organizations as possible in an effort to make a positive impact.
One relationship that I've found particularly valuable is the one shared between the Waterville Police Department and the committed staff and volunteers of the Sexual Assault Crisis and Support Center. When SAC-SC moved into our area, we were immediately impressed with the quality and demeanor of the advocates who worked with our officers on sexual assault cases. Members of our staffs have forged a partnership to bring R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) training to the women of central Maine. And recently, we've joined a comprehensive group of stakeholders to develop and establish a Child Advocacy Center. For us at the Waterville Police Department, there was no sales pitch needed. When we learned that SAC-SC wanted to take action to provide a space where children who are alleged to have been sexually abused can receive their medical exams and care, be forensically interviewed by trained CAC interviewers, and be connected to the resources to assure their safety and health as well as to begin or continue the healing process, we couldn't wait to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The core of the community policing philosophy is that in order to be effective, law enforcement must engage the assistance of those community members who care enough to make a difference. In our eyes, this collaboration is the essence of community policing. We are proud to be associated with an organization committed to the noble cause of fighting sexual abuse, and I think we will all be very satisfied with the fruits of our labor.
Charles J. Rumsey, IV
Deputy Chief of Police
Waterville Police Department
1 Common Street
Waterville, ME 04901
(207)680-4700
crumsey@waterville-me.gov
"When you judge another, you do not define them - you define yourself." Dr. Wayne Dyer
