PARIS — Some residents expressed concerns at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting over the cost and plan to restructure the Paris Police Department.

More than four dozen residents gathered at the Fire Station to hear Police Chief Michael Ward outline the changes, which include having more officers on duty during peak hours.

Ward, who has more than 35 years of experience in law enforcement, has served as chief since September.

The proposed restructuring introduces a new rank system, which will include a chief, a captain and a lieutenant, detectives, corporal and patrol officers. That would give the department more flexibility to investigate crimes and also respond to breaking incidents much quicker instead of waiting for an officer to become available.

“The goal for me is to have two officers on the busiest times of the day so I can provide you with safe streets and a quicker response,” Ward said. “When you call 911 and you need an officer, someone will be there.”

Residents questioned the additional supervisors, with one wondering if there would be enough officers on duty to respond to calls.

Lt. Justin Cummings explained how the growing issues with mental health, abuse and drugs are taking more time and preventing officers from responding quickly to residents’ needs.

“One mentally ill individual can tie up an officer for has entire shift,” Cummings said. “One drug overdose can result in numerous reporting requirements and on-scene investigations. One report of child abuse or domestic violence situation can tie up one officer for not only their entire shift, but also several officers ”

“The new structure will allow the department to branch out into the community,” Cummings added.

Many residents were not convinced this would prove beneficial.

“The issue is what can we afford,” resident Janet Jamison said. “We are now looking at a police budget that is topping out somewhere around $1.5 million.”

To save taxes, several suggested the town rely on the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office for service. Another option would be to combine services with a neighboring police department.

Jamison thought the town could contract for five sheriff deputies to provide 24-hour service for less than half that price.

Select Board Chairman Scott McElravy said the board will consult with Sheriff Christopher Wainwright on what services the county could offer the town. He added that town officials would also seek feedback from the surrounding towns.

Ward said one of his biggest problems is hiring police officers.

“I’m sure you’ve noticed that there is a shortage of police officers nationally and statewide,” Ward said. “Part of the restructuring process is helping us to get officers here and stay here.”

He said he received no applicants recently for a school resource officer, advertising in-house and statewide, but did get a lot of responses when he advertised for a supervisor.

The three department supervisors — Ward, Cummings and Capt. Alan Coffin — will all be salaried employees, but that should cut down on overtime pay, Ward said.

“Every time they stop a car, they can get shot,” resident Sarah Glynn said. “If we don’t support these people with the funds they need to get quality people to man the department, to get the training, to have the equipment, we’re not going to be safe.”

“We want to provide you with the best service possible. To do that, I have to make these jobs look good,” Ward said.