The Maine State Police will take over responsibility for the Capitol Police force, consolidating law enforcement operations at the State House under the state’s primary police agency.
The change was announced Wednesday by Michael Sauschuck, commissioner of the Maine Department of Public Safety, which oversees both the Maine State Police and the Capitol Police. Sauschuck informed Capitol Police officers of the decision in an email sent Wednesday afternoon, according to reporting by the Bangor Daily News.
The Capitol Police are responsible for public safety and security at the State House complex and nearby state-owned properties, including protecting lawmakers, staff, and the public during legislative sessions and official business. Under the new arrangement, those duties will fall under the authority of the Maine State Police.
[RELATED: Maine Capitol Police Chief Arrested After Bar Incident; Previously Avoided OUI Charge in 2023]
In October, Capitol Police Chief Michael Clancy resigned following his arrest for participating in a bar fight months before. It remains unclear whether this change in the force’s leadership had any impact on this week’s restructuring.
Former Capitol Police Chief Michael Clancy arrested in August
State officials have not publicly detailed how or when the transition will occur. Information about staffing, command structure, or whether current Capitol Police officers will be reassigned, absorbed into the State Police, or otherwise affected was not immediately available.
The Department of Public Safety did not respond to requests for additional comment on Wednesday, leaving unanswered questions about the scope of the takeover and its long-term implications for security operations at the Capitol.
The move represents a significant restructuring of law enforcement at the seat of Maine government, bringing Capitol security directly under the state’s largest and most powerful policing agency.
