Recently promoted Lt. Cindy Sanborn called 'great mentor'
- Tammy L Wells
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
ALFRED, Maine – Cindy Sanborn had been a stay-at-home parent and a foster mom. Over time, she began looking for a change. She applied for a job as a corrections officer at York County Jail 25 years ago after a family friend who worked there thought she’d be a good fit. Sanborn started as a reserve officer – but that quickly turned to part time, and then full time.
As it turns out, she was indeed a good fit. And earlier this month Sanborn was promoted to Lieutenant of the Classifications department, where she has been part of the two-person team for the last couple of years.
“She is an outstanding employee, and most important a great mentor and trainer,” Sheriff William L. King told York County Commissioners as he recommended Sanborn’s appointment July 2.
“I’m so very pleased (to make this motion),” said Commissioner Donna Ring which was seconded by Commissioner Justin Chenette. The vote was unanimous.
Classifications includes gathering data on all incoming inmates within 72 hours of their arrival to help ascertain which housing unit to assign them – whether they’re a fit for the general population, whether it appears they’d be a medium or maximum security inmate, if a need for mental health services is indicated, and so on.
The classifications unit keeps track of trusty inmates who work in the kitchen, laundry or hallways of the jail – sentenced inmates earn time off their stay; those who are awaiting trial earn $1 an hour, which they can use to buy items in the commissary.
Classifications also keeps track of educational offerings, inmate accounts, and arranging visits from family members – and the important task of calculating when an inmate is due for release, taking into account ‘good time’ earned during their incarceration.
As Lieutenant, Sanborn is also now in a supervisory role.
Reflecting on her career, Sanborn said for many years, she was happy to stay in her role as line staff, but her interest in the classifications unit grew – and then she became a part of it. “I was extremely happy,” when she was chosen to work in the unit, Sanborn said. “And I kept on learning, and when the Lieutenant’s position came available, I applied.”
Sheriff King noted those who work in corrections find it a rewarding and fulfilling career, and said folks interested in exploring opportunities should contact York County Human Resources at 207-459-2498 or fill out an online application at https://www.yorkcountymaine.gov/careers
“When I started as a reserve officer, I never imagined it would turn into a 25-plus year career,” Sanborn said.. “I love my job.”
