Police Department
The Pittsfield Police Department is committed to strong community service and support. Beyond police service, this includes visits to community schools, public outreach initiatives, and communications with other local and state law enforcement.
Security is a high priority of Pittsfield residents. The Town is well-served by a small full-time police department. There are six full-time officers including the chief and sergeant positions. There are eight reserve officers who have completed certification through the Maine Criminal Justice Academy.
The police department averages 100 miles per patrol shift, the cruisers are each replaced every three years or as needed. The Pittsfield Police Department office is located at 112 Somerset Avenue, Pittsfield, Maine 09467. The department has offices for the chief and sergeant, an interrogation room for finger-printing, photographing and processing of suspects, an office for all patrol officers, and a secured evidence room.
The department provides support for Community Watch and operates a middle school DARE program. In its effort to foster positive activities for youth, the department also began a ‘Hooked on Fishing’ (free fishing equipment rental) program for youngsters in 1997, with support from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Pittsfield Community Trunk or Treat was a huge success on October 31, 2018 and will be held annually going forward each Halloween.
The Town has had a mutual aid agreement with Newport for police back-up since 1987. Relations with Maine State Police and County Sheriff Departments are key to continuity and beneficial for everyone.
As a testament to the depth of support for the police department, the Town of Pittsfield Comprehensive Plan Committee’s opinion poll conducted at the November 1996 election showed that 86.4% of 1157 respondents favor maintenance of the Pittsfield Police Department over reliance on the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department to ensure local response and support the Pittsfield Citizens directly. Also, the Pittsfield Tomorrow vision specifically references the police department’s contribution to community quality-of-life: “The community as a whole will achieve high behavioral and attitudinal standards, which, together with a skilled police force, will deter crime and substance abuse in the community.”
