Chief Sanborn has worked for the Town of Gorham since 1989, rising through the ranks from patrol officer to becoming chief of police in 2019. He had been the interim chief of police on five separate occasions before being appointed to the position permanently.

Sanborn holds an associate degree in law enforcement technology from Southern Maine Community College and an executive certificate from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy and is a certified ALICE instructor. ALICE is an active shooter response training program. Chief Sanborn also became a certified field training officer in 1992 and established Gorham’s first field training program later that year.

The chief is responsible for the protection of lives and property in Gorham through the efficient operation of the Department through the control of activities, the determination of departmental policies and procedures, the implementation of programs as well as the training, assignment, and supervision of all members of the Police Department. He ensures that order is maintained by enforcing the laws and Town ordinances as well as taking action to prevent crime.

The chief investigates what steps are necessary to notify police operations to meet changing conditions, addresses internal affairs investigations when needed, and determines the consequences which can include termination. He participates in the hiring and promotional process and directs police training activities. The Gorham Police Department works with Federal, State and other local law enforcement agencies to apprehend and detain wanted persons.

As told by Chief Sanborn, “I was initially exposed to the law enforcement profession as a young person. Law enforcement has been a long-standing tradition in my family. It began with my great-grandfather working as a special police officer for the city of Portland in the early to mid 1900’s. It continued with five of my uncles joining the profession as young adults across the Country and passing the tradition along to me.”