LEWISTON — Detective Joe Philippon, a 20-year veteran with the police department, has been placed on leave, a spokesman confirmed Thursday.
Philippon, a popular officer known for organizing community events, was placed on administrative leave with pay as a result of an internal investigation.
Police did not provide reasons for the action and did not say when their investigation began.
However, according to multiple sources close to the investigation who did not want to be identified because it is a personnel matter, the investigation began soon after Lewiston police Chief David St. Pierre announced that he would step down in September.
Since then, the city has launched a broad search for a new chief, and Philippon’s name has been floated by some in the community who said they support him for that role. They include an assistant principal at Lewiston schools and at least one former School Committee member.
Others have taken to social media to offer support for Philippon should he pursue the chief’s position.
Philippon himself has long been involved in local politics, often writing letters to the editor in support of political candidates. He has also written guest columns in support of diversity in Lewiston and to address matters of crime within the city.
Philippon is a member of several groups, including the New Mainer Community Collaborative and the Lewiston-Auburn Alliance to Address Homelessness. For years, he has organized the Lewiston Summer Fun and Films program.
The suspension confirmed Thursday was not Philippon’s first. He was suspended at least once since his career began in 2005, police said, although details about that suspension were not immediately available.
Reached on Thursday, Philippon declined to comment on the matter.
