BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER)- Bangor Police announced they will continue their extended patrols around downtown. An increase in vandalism complaints, panhandling, and disorderly conduct calls pushed Bangor police to have a larger presence.
Sargeant Paul Edwards with Bangor Police said, "We are going to be there in a high presence twenty-four hours a day with a beat officer plus we will enhance it with the walking beat."
This is an extension of the summer program that aimed to minimize all types of criminal mischief, especially in Pickering Square.
According to City Councilor Charlie Longo, residents and businessowners have expressed a concern for their safety.
Longo said, "We are growing at a great pace. Our downtown is thriving, but along with that growth sometimes we have a little bit of issues as well...I think having that, at least temporarily, an increased police presence would be valuable to a solution."
Increased hours might mean overtime for officers and cause the city to pay extra.
"Having a safe community and feeling safe in your community is a priceless component," said Longo.
Bangor budgets $650,000 for overtime patrol. Last year they used virtually all of it. The city's financial office said with the recent turnover of officers there is enough in the budget that the public will not be taxed extra.
The city will be holding a meeting next Monday to discuss alternative uses of Pickering Square and discuss the recent occurences. The meeting is tentatively set for 5:00pm. The public is welcome.