Name: Christopher Wainwright

Age: 47

Hometown: Canton

Occupation: Chief Deputy of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office

1. How long have you been in law enforcement? What is your work history?

I have served as a deputy sheriff with the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office for 28 years. During the course of my career, I served for 16 years in the Patrol Division and the last 12 years with Criminal Investigations. During this time, I also served 20 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, which included tours to Iraq in 2009 and Kosovo in 2002 as a police adviser. Additionally, I am a graduate of both the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and FBI National Academy. I am currently the interim chief deputy and have been in this position since February of this year.

2. What are some of the challenges that you feel the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office is facing, and how would you solve them as sheriff? What do you feel the Sheriff’s Office has been successful at as of late?

Restoring the reputation and integrity of the office has certainly been a big challenge. Part of my focus will be to regain the trust and confidence of the citizens of Oxford County by ensuring transparency and accountability. As sheriff, I will continue my efforts to retain current staff and promote positive change.

3. The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office has faced several issues over the last year and a half involving employees being let go or resigning in light of misconduct allegations. This includes the resignation of former Sheriff Wayne Gallant as he faced sexual misconduct allegations from employees. If you are elected as sheriff, what will you do to ensure that employees feel safe and do not have to worry about facing misconduct or harassment in the workplace?

First of all, I take sexual misconduct allegations very seriously. No one should work in an environment where they feel unsafe, unheard or uncomfortable. Since February, the Sheriff’s Office has been working to investigate all previous allegations of misconduct. Department policies have been updated and changes are being implemented to ensure that any and all allegations of inappropriate conduct are reported, investigated and dealt with fairly.

4. Maine has faced an opioid crisis over the past several years. What do you think the Sheriff’s Department can do to continue helping with the crisis? Do you believe more needs to be done?

The opioid crisis is felt in every community of Oxford County. As sheriff, combating this epidemic will be a top priority. I look to emphasize a multilateral approach that includes engaging the community and schools to spread awareness; making sure that all involved, both the public and law enforcement, know what resources are available to families in crisis. Lastly, I will continue to advocate for school resource officers as well as encourage deputies to visit schools, and whenever possible speak directly to students, teachers, and parents. I want to continue building a positive relationship with the community and promote available resources.

5. What do you do in your spare time, when you’re not on the clock as an employee of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office? What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy fishing and hunting with family and friends, as well as keeping up with my children’s sports.

Christopher Wainwright (Submitted photo)