In the public eye: Administrative Assistant helps Windham Police Department run efficiently

Editor’s Note: This is another in an ongoing series of Windham and Raymond town employee profiles.

By Ed Pierce

Jessica Talbot believes that efficiency results from doing things right and effectiveness is doing the right things.

Jessica Talbot has served for two years as the
Administrative Assistant for Kevin Schofield,
Chief of the Windham Police Department.
In her role, she works closely with the
department's administrative team, including 
the Chief, Support Services Captain and 
Patrol Captain and manages accounts
payable and receivable, processes payroll,
oversees grant applications and management,
and prepares financial reports.
SUBMITTED PHOTO  

As the Administrative Assistant for Kevin Schofield, Chief of Police Windham Police Department, Talbot works closely with the department’s administrative team, including the Chief, Support Services Captain, and Patrol Captain. It’s an important position as her responsibilities include managing accounts payable and receivable; processing payroll; overseeing grant applications and management; and preparing financial reports.

She also assists with the department’s budget development, compiles weekly, quarterly, and annual statistics, coordinates supply ordering, and manages the police department’s fleet maintenance and tracking. Besides administrative duties, Talbot also supports the planning and coordination of department events and takes on a variety of other tasks to ensure WPS operates efficiently and effectively.

“My favorite part of my job is assisting with the planning and coordination of community events,” Talbot said. “I truly enjoy being involved in every step – from planning and preparation to even cooking – so that both the officers and community members can focus on connecting without having to worry about the details. I’m naturally someone who enjoys helping others, and I strongly believe in the power of connection and community.”

She’s worked for the Windham Police Department for two years and three months.

“One of the most challenging aspects of my job is the constant concern for the officers and their safety while they are out on shift. Even though I am not in the field, that responsibility is always in the back of my mind,” Talbot said. “In addition, budget creation and grant management can be complex and time-consuming. These responsibilities require detailed tracking, ongoing applications, and thorough reporting, all of which demand a high level of organization and attention to detail.”

According to Talbot, she feels that one of the biggest misconceptions the public may have about her job is that because she works in administration, she doesn’t interact with the public.

“In reality, the opposite is true,” she said. “The records clerk and I are often the first point of contact for the community – we answer incoming calls and assist individuals who come into the public safety building. Our role requires strong communication and customer service skills, as we help guide people to the appropriate resources and ensure they feel heard and supported from the moment they reach out.”

Born and raised in Standish, Talbot graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 1998. During her high school and college studies, she focused on business management and accounting and continued her education online through Kaplan University, where she further developed her knowledge and skills in those areas.

“After being out of work for five months, I was searching for a career that would provide both stability and a sense of fulfillment. Growing up, my mother worked for the Westbrook Police Department, and through her role I developed strong, lasting connections with many of the people there,” she said. “Even years later, those relationships and the positive environment I experienced left a lasting impression on me. Those early experiences made me curious whether another department could offer a similar sense of community and purpose, and I was hopeful that the Windham Police Department could provide that same opportunity for me as an adult.”

Her most memorable moment so far in working for the Windham Police Department was hearing the retirement signoff of former Captain Jason Andrews. 

“It was both emotional and heartwarming, and it left a lasting impression on me,” Talbot said. “That moment truly highlighted how much police work means – not just within the department, but to the community as a whole – and the strong sense of respect and connection that comes with it.”

She says that her family is very proud of her work with the Windham Police Department and the role she serves within the agency.

“What they appreciate most is my involvement in community events and initiatives,” Talbot said. “They take pride in seeing me continue to give back through community service, especially through the planning and participation in events that help strengthen relationships between the department and the community.”

Talbot said that the most important thing she has learned while working for the Windham Police Department is the value of connection, both within the department and with the community.

“Strong relationships, clear communication, and mutual support are essential to everything we do,” she said. “Whether it’s behind the scenes or out at community events, I’ve seen how much of an impact trust and collaboration can have in creating a positive and effective environment for both the department and the people we serve.” <