Wells police terminate participation in 287(g) task force, chief cites recent events

Chief Putnam has terminated the Wells Police Departments participation in the 287(g) memorandum of agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, effective immediately, according to a statement read at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Oct. 21.

The statement, read on the chiefs behalf by Town Manager Pardue, said the MOA was entered into as "an additional tool" to support officers and that the department will "continue to support our federal partners and uphold the law as appropriate." It added that "considering recent events" and with "the safety of Wells residents and visitors as our priority," the departments involvement in the 287(g) task force model is "hereby terminated effective immediately."

Pardue told the board Chief Putnam could not attend the meeting because he was at training and that the memo was addressed to the town manager, select board members and Wells residents. The statement framed the MOA as one of several tools intended to protect officers and said the command staff prioritizes training and resources for professional policing.

Board members responded to the announcement during later select-board comments, with one member saying they respected the chief for "taking in public feedback throughout the whole process" and that the decision had helped restore trust in the department.

No formal action item or vote to rescind a contract appeared on the agenda; the chiefs written memo was presented as an administrative announcement and will likely prompt follow-up by staff if any contractual or interagency steps are required.