Arlen Magill appointed to Libby Police Commission

The Libby City Council on Monday unanimously appointed Arlen Magill to the city’s three-person police commission. He replaces Marv Sather and joins Rob Dufficy and Bill Cunnane.

The existence of a police commission is locked in by state law that requires it for all cities and some towns. The role of a police commissioner varies city by city, but the law specifies the commission to help screen police job applicants and assist with grievance proceedings and issues such as injury or disability claims within police ranks.

In his letter of application to the City Council, Magill wrote of his desire “to help our police department obtain and retain the best officers.”

“I have had the privilege in the last ten years to volunteer with and live next to some of our past and current officers,” he continued. “I have a basic understanding of the position as well as a great respect for the department, its staff and the current commission’s members.”

According to a resume Magill provided the City Council, he has worked at the Libby Senior Center since August 2015. Dedi Coy, project manager at Senior Citizens of Lincoln County, which runs the center, wrote in a letter supporting Magill’s application that he is “a valued worker and a reliable, honest individual (whose) courteous attitude and enthusiasm would be an asset to any workplace.”

Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel in May said the role of police commissioner is a civilian and volunteer position that is often underutilized.

“I use the commissioners as a liaison and go-between with the City Council, not because there is any problem with the line of communication but because sometimes it’s more efficient to have the commissioners represent the force,” he said.

Libby Mayor Brent Teske has said the position is “not a day-to-day one,” adding that “Scott (Kessel) is utilizing the commission’s differently than we have in the past.”

“We are a small department and the commissioners are an asset to us,” Kessel said in May. “I give an expanded role to the commissioners compared to other departments. We don’t have much of a budget and last year the commissioners were able to solicit donations and update our office furniture, which was a real help.”

Kessel said the Libby role requires very little in terms of hours and that the main qualification is having “common sense — something that’s good to have in any position.”

Vince Backen, owner of Libby Gym and the Libby Hostel, was the one other person to apply for the position.