Cops in Maine’s largest city will be spending more time integrating with its various communities, according to an expanded effort by the Portland police.
The Portland Police Department announced an expansion of its community policing offices aimed at strengthening relationships with residents, businesses and community organizations across the city.
The Midtown Community Policing Office continues to operate at 26 Portland Street, and a new location has opened at 443 Congress Street to serve the Monument Square area.
The Community Policing Coordinator will divide time between these two offices.
An additional office has been established at 80 Elm Street, which now serves as the base for both the East Deering and West Deering Community Policing Coordinators.
The former East Bayside Office at 81 Oxford Street has been renamed the East End Community Policing Office.
This office will now provide coverage for the East Bayside and Munjoy Hill neighborhoods.
The expansion reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to building trust, improving accessibility and fostering collaboration with the communities it serves. By increasing the number of community policing offices, the department will be able to provide more direct support, improve response to neighborhood concerns and enhance visibility in key areas throughout Portland.
“Our officers and community policing coordinators are at their best when they are connected with the communities they serve,” said Portland Police Chief Mark Dubois. “These offices give us the opportunity to listen, engage and work together with residents and partners to create safer and stronger neighborhoods.”
Community policing offices serve as resource hubs where residents can connect with officers and community policing coordinators, share concerns, seek guidance and collaborate on problem-solving initiatives.
The expansion will also allow officers to spend more time building relationships, participating in community events and working with residents to address local issues.
