Community Policing

The Orono Police Department has adopted the philosophy of Community Policing.  We have several programs that are already in place such as a School Resource Officer, TheDare Program, The Neighborhood Watch Program, Community Safety Web Page, House/Property Check Program, K-9 Officer and our Detective acts as a liaison between the Police Department and the Business Community.

Currently, the Orono Police Department personnel consist of:

·         Police Chief

·         Three Sergeants

·         One Detective

·         One School Resource Officer

·         Seven Patrol Officers

Training

Training is a very important part of law enforcement, and must be ongoing to keep up with the changing criminal justice system. Officers need to be trained every year about changes in the law, equipment changes, and new investigative procedures.

The Orono Police Department believes in training its officers to be the best people to handle the job. Each officer receives training that makes him or her valuable to both the Department and the community. We have:

·         A D.A.R.E. Officer

·         An Intoxilyzer Instructor

·         Two Firearms Instructors

·         A Physical Fitness Instructor

·         Two Defensive Tactics Instructors

·         Five Maine Criminal Justice Academy Certified Instructors

·         One former Cadre Staff of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy

·         Two Taser Instructors

·         A Baton Instructor

·         A Simmunitions Instructor

·         An Active School Shooter Instructor

·         A Juvenile Law Instructor

·         A Liquor Law Instructor

Dispatch Center

The Orono Police Department receives routine and emergency calls through the dedicated professionals at the Penobscot Regional Communications Center.  You can reach us in an emergency by dialing 911 or 866-4451.  To make a complaint of a non-emergency nature you can dial 866-4451 or 945-4636.

 Hiring Process

The hiring process for the Orono Police Department is as follows:

Application
Testing for knowledge
Testing for strength and physical agility
Oral interview board
Background check
Record check
Interview with the Chief

Some of our full-time officers were hired from our reserve staff. Obtaining a position in law enforcement can be very competitive. The average successful candidate is someone with a college degree who has shown a true desire for police work. Many officers have spent years trying to get a full-time position with a police department.