Residents of Mexico, Maine, are expressing their apprehensions about the absence of a local police department after its closure on Tuesday, as reported by WGME. The shutdown comes after a prolonged period, spanning a year and a half, during which the department struggled with a significant shortage of officers. Town leaders remain optimistic, hoping to eventually restore the police department to its full operation by recruiting a new police force, as the outlet detailed.
The immediate crisis that led to the closure was triggered when three officers resigned from the Mexico police force. “The other three had been working tons and tons of overtime,” explained James Theriault, Mexico Police Administrator of Records, to WGME. “The citizens are concerned, and I don’t blame them,” he added, acknowledging the community’s worries.
Residents also voiced their dissatisfaction with the current situation. “I think it’s wrong,” stated Wayne McConnel, a local resident, in an interview with the outlet. Theriault noted that the town, along with the county, experiences a “high crime rate,” highlighting the urgency of the issue. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of reconstructing the police department within a year. In the meantime, law enforcement duties have been transferred to the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.
Addressing the challenges ahead, Theirault expressed his determination, saying, “It is very difficult. I think we’ll be able to come out of this okay.” The optimism reflects the administration’s commitment to overcoming the current predicament, despite the hurdles.
County officials mentioned that the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office is nearly fully staffed after hiring three new deputies. Interestingly, two of these new hires were former police officers from Mexico, which offers a semblance of continuity and familiarity. However, the task is monumental as the Sheriff’s Office is now responsible for policing an expansive area of 2,000 square miles with a team of two dozen deputies.
The town of Mexico itself is home to 2,700 residents, as reported by WGME. The Daily Caller has reached out to both the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office and the Town Office of Mexico for further comments. As of now, neither office has responded.
This period of transition comes with a mix of apprehension and hope for the residents of Mexico, Maine. As the community awaits the rebuilding of its local police department, the responsibility lies heavily on the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office to maintain law and order in the interim. The task of patrolling such a vast area with limited resources underscores the gravity of the situation, making the community’s concerns all the more valid.