9051_LGP_MechanicFalls_2024AnnualReport_Web

POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Mechanic Falls Police Department has had a busy year of re-building, training and Academy Graduations. We saw Cole Cushman Graduate the Academy in May and Andrew Streeter graduate in December. Both Officers did an outstanding job at the Academy and anxiously rejoined the ranks to continue their careers on the force. We responded to the tragic Murder / Suicide that happened in July. The State Police handled the investigation as is policy for every department in the state with only a couple of exceptions.

They handle all Murder investigations statewide. We assisted in any way that we could with local interviews and scene security. Overall crime has been down since last year (2023). We had 33 less crimes committed. The different categories of crime showed the largest decrease to be property crimes with theft being reduced by 15. The category of “Crimes Against People – Group A Crimes” had no change. There were 36 in total. The total number of crimes across all categories was 145. Our calls for service increased almost by 1000 (4728-2023 / 5549-2024). One of the largest complaints that we receive from the citizens of Mechanic Falls is about traffic infractions happening on their streets. We try to respond in one manner or another to all complaints. In 2024 we made 2310 traffic stops. The stops were on 30 different streets in town. The major street that traffic violators were stopped on was Lewiston Street with 475. We do recognize that traffic fines are expensive and often issue warnings in hopes that the motorist will comply without having to pay a fine. We issued warnings at well over a 4 to 1 ratio. I am writing this end of year report knowing that it will be my last. I will retire in June after nearly 38 years with the Mechanic Falls Police Department. I have made many friends and acquaintances over those years. I am looking forward to my retirement. I will miss many of the people that I see so often. In a profession where we usually meet and see people when they are having a bad day, it is always good to see them at later times when their lives are on a normal track. Most people are good people who are having a rough go of it when we deal with them. It has been an honor and pleasure serving the community of Mechanic Falls and watching the town grow over my years here. Thank You!! Jeffrey Goss

Chief of Police

pg. 30 pg. 30