This Maine Police Department is Going to Shut Down Due to Lack of Staff

When it comes to the police force in Maine, it is made up of several state, local and county agencies. Those smaller local and town agencies make up about 130 of the total agencies statewide.

Maine police forces serve both the larger cities like Portland and Bangor but also the much smaller communities like the one in Mexico, Maine.

Yes, there is a Mexico in Maine. It's located across the river from the bustling metropolis of Rumford.

However, the Mexico, Maine Police Department will soon be closing.

Even though rural areas like Mexico may have lower crime rates compared with larger towns and cities in Maine, crime still occurs.

The Mexico Police Department works hard to prevent crime through patrols and community engagement, and they investigate crimes to hold offenders accountable as well.

According to an article published by WMTW, and a post from the town's Facebook page, the town Select board has voted it change the status of the Mexico Police Department to 'idle' status.

The news station reports that this, in large part, is due to a severe lack of available staff. The change from active to idle will happen as of 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 20.

Mexico Police Chief, Roy C. Hodsdon, said in the press release announcement:

"Over the last year, I have been trying to recruit officers with no success. The town has supported our police department, requesting we continue to recruit and reopen our doors. My main objective in this very difficult decision made by our board was to make sure our town is being protected."

"Through my 27 years working for the Town of Mexico Police both full and part time, I have truly enjoyed working in our great town. The citizens have always been very supportive of our police department, making our difficult job a bit easier. I thank you all for your support."

The goal is to hopefully be able to hire enough officers that the department may eventually reopen and become active again. However, if and when that will happen remains anyone's guess.