Chitwood Portland’s longest-serving police chief

PORTLAND — In Maine’s largest city, Police Chief Michael Chitwood may be the most familiar name around.

“Do any poll in Portland and they don’t know who is on the City Council, who the mayor is or who the city manager is, but they know who the police chief is,” City Councilor Tom Kane said.

Chitwood, 56, made history Tuesday as he marked his 12th year running the Portland Police Department. He has become the city’s longest-serving police chief, surpassing Leon T. Webber who retired in 1968, two months shy of his 12th anniversary.

In an era when police chiefs in many cities find themselves involved in highly pitched political battles, Chitwood’s longevity and continued popularity seem remarkable.

The average term for a police chief is less than five years, according to a national survey by the Police Executive Research Forum of Washington, D.C.

“I must be doing something right,” said Chitwood, adding that he loves police work and has no plans to retire.

Chitwood’s straight-talking style and intense devotion to the job have been consistent in his 36 years of policing.

He joined the Philadelphia police force at age 20 and went on to become one of that city’s most decorated officers. His son, also named Michael, has made a name for himself as a sergeant in the Philadelphia department.

The chief said he is committed to serving 50 years in law enforcement, though he doesn’t know if his career will end in Portland.

Chitwood has maintained a nearly daily presence in the public eye, whether holding a news conference about a crime or addressing a civic group. Over the years, he has launched highly publicized attacks on guns, aggressive panhandlers, pedophiles and light jail sentences.

“I believe what I say has an impact on community safety,” Chitwood said. “I think one of the best things I’ve done for the Portland Police Department is let people know what we do.”

Not everyone agrees with Chitwood’s outspoken positions, but City Manager Bob Ganley says no city councilor has ever suggested that he be replaced.

“Some people are critical of him, but a lot of the criticism comes from outside Portland,” Ganley said. “Mike takes positions on things that may not play well outside Portland. He says what he thinks. Sometimes it rubs councilors the wrong way.”

Chitwood is hands-off organizationally, allowing his command staff to run the 156-member department. But he gets very involved personally in some facets of police work.

He visits frequently with crime victims, particularly those who have been hurt, such as the victims of two unrelated sexual assaults last month. The rank and file also seem to appreciate Chitwood for his personal touch. When Officer James Sweatt was critically stabbed last year, Chitwood visited the hospital every day.

“Mike stands up for his guys and when they screw up, he fires them,” Ganley said.

Chitwood has no doubt Portland will find a capable replacement for him when he does step aside.

“I have made this the most sought-after law enforcement job in the state of Maine, and in New England because people know this is a great job and a great place to be.”