Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

New assistant chief chosen from within

After taking stock of 40 candidates, Portland's police chief selects his 'right hand' for the job.

By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

PORTLAND — Police Chief James Craig considered 40 candidates from around the country to be his assistant chief before choosing someone who was already in the department: Cmdr. Michael Sauschuck.

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Michael Sauschuck

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"Mike has been my right hand," Craig said Wednesday. "He is a terrific confidant who is well respected by the men and women in the organization, as well as elected officials and in the community."

Sauschuck, who was promoted in August from lieutenant to the new position of commander of uniform services, will shift his focus from patrol to the criminal investigations division and support services.

He is a 13-year veteran of the department, a decorated officer who has worked in many specialties. Before becoming a police officer, he served for five years in the Marine Corps.

Craig began the search after Assistant Chief Joseph Loughlin retired at the end of 2009. Search panels included members of the community and the department's unions. Craig has said the assistant chief will be responsible for implementing community outreach initiatives and managing the department's statistical crime analysis.

The chief said the strong field of candidates included a former colleague from the Los Angeles Police Department.

"Certainly, Mike separated himself from the pack," he said.

Craig praised Sauschuck's willingness to adapt and his ability to foster change in the department, from creating a new schedule to implementing the senior lead officer program to leading a trip to Los Angeles to learn the latest in policing techniques.

Sauschuck said he is looking forward to helping to keep the organization changing for the better.

"You definitely have to be flexible in this work, period, but especially in an organization with officers who are requesting change," he said. "They want us to take this to the next level. They want us to be innovative and adopt the best practices nationwide, and they're willing to adapt and work with us."

Sauschuck's salary was not immediately available, though the salary range for the position is $66,000 to $88,000 a year.

Craig said he will appoint a new commander soon from within the department.

Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:

dhench@pressherald.com