BELFAST — The Waldo County Sheriff's Department submitted a grant application June 5 that, if approved, would allow for a dedicated domestic violence detective in Waldo County.

The Domestic Violence Task Force was formed a year ago, although it is not a new organization. More than a decade ago, Waldo County had both the task force, and a detective dedicated to investigating domestic violence cases in Waldo County, said the sheriff’s Chief Deputy Jeff Trafton. When the funds for the grant ran out the community was focused on other issues and both the task force and detective position lapsed.

The rebirth of the task force last year came after a member of the original group visited the Sheriff's Office to discuss the possibility of its return. Katie Butler, from the District Attorney's Office, met with Trafton to discuss reorganizing the task force, "and I was very interested," he said.

Chief Trafton, who is running for Sheriff of Waldo County, says that if elected, "I'm committed to a long-term domestic violence detective in Waldo County."

The task force has allies in the community, including New Hope for Women and Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine.

When the task force officially organized, holding its first meeting last August, members discussed finding grants to allow for the return of a dedicated detective.

"It's a position many other counties already have," Trafton said.

More than 13,000 people were affected by domestic violence in Maine during 2013, according to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. 

The grant, offered by the Office of Community Policing Service (COPS), is accepting applications through June 23. Trafton said he's not sure how long the review process will take, but hopes to hear back sometime next month.

If the grant is approved, it will need to be taken to the Waldo County Commissioner and eventually the Budget Committee for review before the position could be created.

The domestic violence detective would be employed officially through the Waldo County Sheriff's Office, Trafton said, but will work with many agencies in Waldo County, including the Belfast Police Department, Searsport Police, Islesboro Police and the Probation and parole offices.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com