Police Department
Mission Statement
The mission of the South Berwick Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in our community by working in partnership with the public and in accordance with the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Maine, and the Ordinances of our Town. Therefore, we will fairly and impartially enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide a safe environment for all.
The mission of the South Berwick Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in our community by working in partnership with the public and in accordance with the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Maine, and the Ordinances of our Town. Therefore, we will fairly and impartially enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide a safe environment for all.
Contacts:
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Chief David Ruger
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(207) 384-2254
Fax:
(207) 384-3305
Email:
southberwickpd@sbpd.us
EMPLYOMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The South Berwick Police Department is currently accepting applications for a Full-Time Police Officer to join our team of professional law enforcement officers. The Chief's ideal candidate will be highly motivated and have strong interpersonal skills. We are seeking candidates who possess a strong community policing mindset that compliments their law enforcement experience, training, and education. Click the link above for more details.Applications and Job Posting can be found by clicking the links or in the Town Clerks office at 180 Main Street on the 2nd floor. Applications should be returned to Chief Ruger at 1 Farmgate Road, South Berwick, ME 03908 or by email to druger@sbpd.us. The application must be returned with a cover letter, resume, and a copy of the alert test score.
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Frequently Asked Question's
Animal Control
Contact:
Harvey Barr
Animal Control Officer
Address:
1 Farmgate Rd
South Berwick, ME 03908
Phone:
(207) 384-2254
Title 7 is the section of Maine Law that is dedicated to animal welfare.
The most common complaints received by the Animal Control Officer (ACO) are loose dogs or cats, and barking dogs.
Section 3911 Dogs not to run at large.
Requires dogs be leashed. The Town of South Berwick also has an ordinance that allows the dog to be off leash while it is within the confines of its owner or keepers property. Once the dog leaves the property it is considered to be at large. Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $25.00 to $100.00
Section 3921 License necessary.
The State of Maine requires all dogs that are six months of age and older be licensed. By requiring a license, we are able to assure the public that a threat of rabies is kept under control. We can also save the owner or keeper from worrying about their dog if it should become lost. The ACO will reference the tag number to the owner and call them so they may become reunited. After January 1st but within ten (10) days the owner or keeper must license the dog. A current rabies (and if the dog has been spayed/neutered) certificate are needed to receive a license.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $100.00
Section 3923B Tags.
Without a tag number the ACO will bring the dog to the shelter. This will become costly to the owner. The first time the Town will charge $25.00 and then you will have to pay the shelter charges. There is also a fine for not having a license tag and rabies tag on the dog. The second time the fee for the Town is doubled.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $100.00
Section 4041 Animal trespass.
When the dog goes on the property of another person it is considered Animal Trespass.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $500.00
Section 3961 Reimbursement for damage done by dogs.
While the animal is trespassing it causes damage, the owner or keeper of the animal is responsible for all the damage.
License Fees if re-licensed before January 1st:
License fees after January 31st require a late fee of $25.00 in addition to the license.
If a dog is not licensed, the owner or keeper is subject to a summons which could result in a court appearance and a fine of $61.50
Harvey Barr
Animal Control Officer
Address:
1 Farmgate Rd
South Berwick, ME 03908
Phone:
(207) 384-2254
Title 7 is the section of Maine Law that is dedicated to animal welfare.
The most common complaints received by the Animal Control Officer (ACO) are loose dogs or cats, and barking dogs.
Section 3911 Dogs not to run at large.
Requires dogs be leashed. The Town of South Berwick also has an ordinance that allows the dog to be off leash while it is within the confines of its owner or keepers property. Once the dog leaves the property it is considered to be at large. Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $25.00 to $100.00
Section 3921 License necessary.
The State of Maine requires all dogs that are six months of age and older be licensed. By requiring a license, we are able to assure the public that a threat of rabies is kept under control. We can also save the owner or keeper from worrying about their dog if it should become lost. The ACO will reference the tag number to the owner and call them so they may become reunited. After January 1st but within ten (10) days the owner or keeper must license the dog. A current rabies (and if the dog has been spayed/neutered) certificate are needed to receive a license.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $100.00
Section 3923B Tags.
Without a tag number the ACO will bring the dog to the shelter. This will become costly to the owner. The first time the Town will charge $25.00 and then you will have to pay the shelter charges. There is also a fine for not having a license tag and rabies tag on the dog. The second time the fee for the Town is doubled.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $100.00
Section 4041 Animal trespass.
When the dog goes on the property of another person it is considered Animal Trespass.
Violation of this is decided by a judge at York District Court. It will be in the range of $500.00
Section 3961 Reimbursement for damage done by dogs.
While the animal is trespassing it causes damage, the owner or keeper of the animal is responsible for all the damage.
License Fees if re-licensed before January 1st:
- Dogs and Wolf hybrids that are capable of producing young- $11.00
- Dogs and Wolf hybrids that are not capable of producing young- $6.00
License fees after January 31st require a late fee of $25.00 in addition to the license.
If a dog is not licensed, the owner or keeper is subject to a summons which could result in a court appearance and a fine of $61.50
Maine Alcohol Laws
Information provided by the Bureau of Highway Safety and Bureau of Liquor Enforcement.
Operating Under the Influence
In Maine, if you are driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, you are guilty of a criminal offense known as operating under the influence, or OUI.
Following your arrest and based solely on the police report and blood alcohol content (BAC) test result, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you're waiting for your day in court, you won't be driving.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
BAC is a precise way of stating the amount of alcohol in a quantity of blood. BAC can be measured with a breath or blood test. If you have a BAC of .08 percent or more, you can be found guilty by a court on this basis alone, without further evidence.
Implied Consent
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driver's license is not a right guaranteed under our Constitution. It is a privilege that is administratively issued and can be withdrawn by the State.
Under Implied Consent, you automatically agree to a chemical test (blood, breath or urine) at any time authorities have probable cause to administer it. If you refuse to take such a test for alcohol or drugs, your driver's license will immediately suspended. The suspension could last as long as six months. Because this is done administratively, no court action is necessary,
however, you might have an administrative hearing at the DMV.
In addition, testimony from the arresting officer regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI conviction even without the BAC test.
If you are found guilty of OUI based on the police officer's testimony, your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravating factor by the judge and another suspension, as well as mandatory jail time, will be tacked on. So, by refusing you.
will have much harsher penalty than if you'd taken the test.
Remember a test can protect you. If you are not legally intoxicated, the test will show it.
Conditional Licenses
Reinstated licenses include the condition of not driving after drinking. After the first conviction, the license is conditional for one year. After subsequent convictions, it is conditional for ten years.
A conditional license can be suspended for one year, without a preliminary hearing, for operating with any amount of alcohol in the blood. A conditional license can be suspended for a period of two years for any refusal to submit to a blood-alcohol test, a penalty which will be added to any suspension previously handed down for an OUI conviction.
Vehicle Seizure or Forfeiture
A person operating under the influence while under suspension for a previous OUI, is subject to vehicle seizure and forfeiture, as well as a fine and jail time.
Other Consequences
There are many other consequences that come as a result of drinking and driving to consider. Here are just a few:
Minimum Court Imposed Penalties for OUI
Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes
Every driver involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash, or a crash where a death is likely to occur, must submit to a blood alcohol test. Failure to do so will result in a one-year license suspension.
If the Secretary of State is satisfied that a driver, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligently operated a motor vehicle in such a manner to cause death of any person, the Secretary shall immediately suspend the operator's license for at least three years. This suspension will be consecutive to any suspension imposed for refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Moreover, a conviction for vehicular homicide can result in a prison term of up to 30 years and a permanent loss of you driver's license if alcohol is involved.
Knowing Your Limit
Misconceptions about alcohol and how it effects safe driving are widespread. Knowing the truth can mean the difference between life and death. When alcohol enters your system, your ability to control a car, yourself, immediately starts to deteriorate. Good judgment, concentration and your ability to react quickly all start to disappear with the first drink.
Factors Influencing BAC
Factors that can affect the relationship between alcohol consumed and BAC level include:
The best advice to follow is that if you drink, plan ahead, and designate a non-drinking driver.
The Zero Tolerance Law
If you are under 21 years if age, Maine has a special law for you. If you are found operating, or attempting to operate, a motor vehicle with any measurable alcohol in your body, you will lose your license for one year. If you refuse a test, you will lose your license for one year anyway.
Drivers under 21 years with a BAC of .08 percent or more can be prosecuted for the criminal offense of OUI, but the license suspension must be for one year.
Illegal Possession
Illegal Transportation of Liquor
M.R.S Title 28-A, Chapter 81, §2052: Illegal Transportation:
No person under the age of 21 shall transport alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle except in the scope of their employment or at the request of their parent. The penalties for illegal transportation are:
Furnishing Liquor to a Minor
Any person who furnishes liquor to a minor, or allows a minor under that person's control, or in any place under that person's control, to possess or consume liquor, may be fined $2,000.00 and/or sentenced up to one year in jail. If the minor is less than 14 years of age, or the violation is a second offense within six years, the fine shall not be less than $500.00. For any third or subsequent offense within six years, the minimum penalty is $1,000.00 fine and up to six months in jail.
Furnishing Imitation Liquor to a Minor
Any person who furnishes imitation liquor to a minor or allows a minor under that person's control to possess, or consume imitation liquor, may be fined up to $500.00 and/or sentenced to six months in jail.
Illegal Sale of Liquor
Any person who sells liquor in Maine without a license issued by the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement is subject to the following penalties:
Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell
Any person who possesses liquor with the intent to sell in violation of Maine Liquor Laws, may be fined up to $1,000.00 and sentenced to six months in jail. The vehicle used may be impounded and subject to forfeiture proceedings.
Maine Liquor Liability Act
The Maine Liquor Liability Act was established to form a legal basis for obtaining compensation for damages as a result of intoxication and related incidents. A non-licensed, social host (a person who does not hold a Maine Liquor License) can be sued for negligent or reckless conduct.
By definition, negligent conduct is the serving of liquor to a minor or intoxicated person, if the defendant knows or a reasonable and prudent person being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated.
Reckless Conduct is the intentional serving of liquor to a person when the server knows the person being served is a minor, or visibly intoxicated, and the defendant consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving liquor to that person will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others.
Financial Implications
Damages may be awarded for property damage, bodily injury, or death caused by the consumption of liquor served by the defendant. The limit on awards is $350,000.00 plus medical expenses.
Operating Under the Influence
In Maine, if you are driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, you are guilty of a criminal offense known as operating under the influence, or OUI.
Following your arrest and based solely on the police report and blood alcohol content (BAC) test result, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you're waiting for your day in court, you won't be driving.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
BAC is a precise way of stating the amount of alcohol in a quantity of blood. BAC can be measured with a breath or blood test. If you have a BAC of .08 percent or more, you can be found guilty by a court on this basis alone, without further evidence.
Implied Consent
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driver's license is not a right guaranteed under our Constitution. It is a privilege that is administratively issued and can be withdrawn by the State.
Under Implied Consent, you automatically agree to a chemical test (blood, breath or urine) at any time authorities have probable cause to administer it. If you refuse to take such a test for alcohol or drugs, your driver's license will immediately suspended. The suspension could last as long as six months. Because this is done administratively, no court action is necessary,
however, you might have an administrative hearing at the DMV.
In addition, testimony from the arresting officer regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI conviction even without the BAC test.
If you are found guilty of OUI based on the police officer's testimony, your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravating factor by the judge and another suspension, as well as mandatory jail time, will be tacked on. So, by refusing you.
will have much harsher penalty than if you'd taken the test.
Remember a test can protect you. If you are not legally intoxicated, the test will show it.
Conditional Licenses
Reinstated licenses include the condition of not driving after drinking. After the first conviction, the license is conditional for one year. After subsequent convictions, it is conditional for ten years.
A conditional license can be suspended for one year, without a preliminary hearing, for operating with any amount of alcohol in the blood. A conditional license can be suspended for a period of two years for any refusal to submit to a blood-alcohol test, a penalty which will be added to any suspension previously handed down for an OUI conviction.
Vehicle Seizure or Forfeiture
A person operating under the influence while under suspension for a previous OUI, is subject to vehicle seizure and forfeiture, as well as a fine and jail time.
Other Consequences
There are many other consequences that come as a result of drinking and driving to consider. Here are just a few:
- All OUI convictions result in a criminal record, not an asset when applying for a job or college entry.
- Overall costs associated with an OUI conviction can reach $7,000.00.
- Drinking and driving takes thousands of innocent lives each year. Could you live with yourself?
- At present, drunk driving causes more deaths and injuries than any other violent crime; no one, including friends and family is immune.
Minimum Court Imposed Penalties for OUI
| Offense | Suspension | Jail Time | Fine |
| First with no aggravating factors (see #1 below) | Ninety (90) Days | ------------------------ | $400.00 |
| Second w/ aggravating factors | Ninety (90) Days | Forty-Eight (48) Hours | $400.00 |
| First w/ refusal of BAC test (see #2 below) | Ninety (90) Days | Ninety-Six (96) Hours | $500.00 |
| Second (see #3 below) | Eighteen (18) Months | Seven (7) Days | $600.00 |
| Second with a refusal of BAC test | Eighteen (18) Months | Twelve (12) Days | $800.00 |
| Third | Four (4) Years | Thirty (30) Days | $1,000.00 |
| Third w/ refusal of BAC test | Four (4) Years | Forty (40) Days | $1,300.00 |
| Fourth or more | Six (6) Years | Six (6) Months | $2,000.00 |
| Fourth w/ refusal of BAC test | Six (6) Years | Six (6) Years | $2400.00 and Twenty (20) days |
- Aggravating factors include a BAC of .15 percent or more or traveling 30m.p.h. or more over the posted speed limit, or attempting to elude an officer of the law, or having a passenger under 16 years of age.
- Refusal to be tested results in a loss of license for 180 days, which is consecutive to any suspension imposed for an OUI conviction.
- A second conviction within ten years prohibits the offender from obtaining work-restricted license or from registering a vehicle.
Drivers Involved in Fatal Crashes
Every driver involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash, or a crash where a death is likely to occur, must submit to a blood alcohol test. Failure to do so will result in a one-year license suspension.
If the Secretary of State is satisfied that a driver, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligently operated a motor vehicle in such a manner to cause death of any person, the Secretary shall immediately suspend the operator's license for at least three years. This suspension will be consecutive to any suspension imposed for refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Moreover, a conviction for vehicular homicide can result in a prison term of up to 30 years and a permanent loss of you driver's license if alcohol is involved.
Knowing Your Limit
Misconceptions about alcohol and how it effects safe driving are widespread. Knowing the truth can mean the difference between life and death. When alcohol enters your system, your ability to control a car, yourself, immediately starts to deteriorate. Good judgment, concentration and your ability to react quickly all start to disappear with the first drink.
Factors Influencing BAC
Factors that can affect the relationship between alcohol consumed and BAC level include:
- Weight: A larger person requires more alcohol to reach a particular BAC level than a smaller person.
- Gender: Women generally reach higher BACs than men of the same weight with the same amount of alcohol.
- Amount of food in stomach: Food slows the absorption of alcohol into the blood. Time spent drinking: Alcohol is eliminated at the rate of about one drink (1 ounce of alcohol) per hour.
- Time since last drink: Because time is needed to metabolize a drink, a person's BAC can continue to rise after he or she has stopped drinking.
The best advice to follow is that if you drink, plan ahead, and designate a non-drinking driver.
The Zero Tolerance Law
If you are under 21 years if age, Maine has a special law for you. If you are found operating, or attempting to operate, a motor vehicle with any measurable alcohol in your body, you will lose your license for one year. If you refuse a test, you will lose your license for one year anyway.
Drivers under 21 years with a BAC of .08 percent or more can be prosecuted for the criminal offense of OUI, but the license suspension must be for one year.
Illegal Possession
M.R.S. Title 28-A, Chapter 81, §2051: Illegal Possession:
- 1st Offense: $200.00 to $400.00
- 2nd Offense: $300.00 to $600.00
- 3rd or Subsequent Offenses: $600.00
It is a civil violation for any person under the age of 21 to possess liquor or imitation liquor except if it is within the scope of their employment or in their home in the presence of their parent. Fines for illegal possession are as follows:
Youths 17 years or younger are charged with juvenile crime of illegal possession.Illegal Transportation of Liquor
M.R.S Title 28-A, Chapter 81, §2052: Illegal Transportation:
No person under the age of 21 shall transport alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle except in the scope of their employment or at the request of their parent. The penalties for illegal transportation are:
- 1st Offense: 30 Day license suspension and a fine no more than $500.00
- 2nd Offense: 90 Day license suspension and a fine not less than $200.00
- 3rd Offense: One year license suspension and a fine no less than $400.00
Furnishing Liquor to a Minor
Any person who furnishes liquor to a minor, or allows a minor under that person's control, or in any place under that person's control, to possess or consume liquor, may be fined $2,000.00 and/or sentenced up to one year in jail. If the minor is less than 14 years of age, or the violation is a second offense within six years, the fine shall not be less than $500.00. For any third or subsequent offense within six years, the minimum penalty is $1,000.00 fine and up to six months in jail.
Furnishing Imitation Liquor to a Minor
Any person who furnishes imitation liquor to a minor or allows a minor under that person's control to possess, or consume imitation liquor, may be fined up to $500.00 and/or sentenced to six months in jail.
Illegal Sale of Liquor
Any person who sells liquor in Maine without a license issued by the Bureau of Liquor Enforcement is subject to the following penalties:
- 1st Offense: $300.00 to $500.00 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
- 2nd Offense: $500.00 to $1,000.00 fine and up to 60 days in jail.
- 3rd and Subsequent Offenses: $1,000.00 fine and 60 days in jail, not to be suspended. An additional 4 months in jail time is possible.
Illegal Possession with Intent to Sell
Any person who possesses liquor with the intent to sell in violation of Maine Liquor Laws, may be fined up to $1,000.00 and sentenced to six months in jail. The vehicle used may be impounded and subject to forfeiture proceedings.
Maine Liquor Liability Act
The Maine Liquor Liability Act was established to form a legal basis for obtaining compensation for damages as a result of intoxication and related incidents. A non-licensed, social host (a person who does not hold a Maine Liquor License) can be sued for negligent or reckless conduct.
By definition, negligent conduct is the serving of liquor to a minor or intoxicated person, if the defendant knows or a reasonable and prudent person being served is a minor or is visibly intoxicated.
Reckless Conduct is the intentional serving of liquor to a person when the server knows the person being served is a minor, or visibly intoxicated, and the defendant consciously disregards an obvious and substantial risk that serving liquor to that person will cause physical harm to the drinker or to others.
Financial Implications
Damages may be awarded for property damage, bodily injury, or death caused by the consumption of liquor served by the defendant. The limit on awards is $350,000.00 plus medical expenses.
Maine Vehicle Registration
The Town of South Berwick participates in the State of Maine's online registration program for vehicles previously registered with the town. This program allows for 24/7 registration services for those that are unable to make it to the townhall to re-register their vehicles. Click here for more information.
Maine Out of State Registration
The South Berwick Police Department wants to remind all residents of the town, that within 30 days of establishing residency from another state, you must obtain a Maine driver's license and Maine vehicle registrations. According to Title 29-A, Section 514 of the Maine Motor Vehicle Statutes, unless you meet one of the following three exemptions for your registration, you are in violation of this law. A violation will result in a $926.00 fine, and your name being sent to the Maine State Tax Assessor for further investigation. The three recognized exemptions are as follows:
Members of the community are encouraged to report potential violators to Sgt. Philip Moore of the South Berwick Police Department at (207) 384-2254.
For other laws that you may have questions about, please go to:
Maine Out of State Registration
The South Berwick Police Department wants to remind all residents of the town, that within 30 days of establishing residency from another state, you must obtain a Maine driver's license and Maine vehicle registrations. According to Title 29-A, Section 514 of the Maine Motor Vehicle Statutes, unless you meet one of the following three exemptions for your registration, you are in violation of this law. A violation will result in a $926.00 fine, and your name being sent to the Maine State Tax Assessor for further investigation. The three recognized exemptions are as follows:
- Active-duty Military members with an out of state "Home of Record"
- Students attending an in-state college or university.
- Company vehicles registered to an out-of-state business used for business purposes only.
Members of the community are encouraged to report potential violators to Sgt. Philip Moore of the South Berwick Police Department at (207) 384-2254.
For other laws that you may have questions about, please go to:
Concealed Firearms Permit Application
Patrol
Full-Time Officers
Part-Time Officers
Traffic Control Officers
(This is a civilian position)
Administrative Staff
- Chief David Ruger
- Lieutenant Jeff Upton
- Sergeant Philip Moore
- Patrol Officer David Arsenault
- Det Sergeant Scott Stephens
- Patrol Officer Ryan LaRose
- Patrol Officer/School Resource Officer Jason MacLeod
- Patrol Officer Tyler Hansen
- Patrol Officer Dan Aguilera
- Patrol Officer John Sprouse
Part-Time Officers
- Patrol Officer Jeff Pelkey
- Patrol Officer Richard deRochemont
- Patrol Officer John Willey
- Patrol Officer Dennis Gaffney
- Patrol Officer Eric Bourn
- Patrol Officer/Animal Control Officer Harvey Barr
Traffic Control Officers
(This is a civilian position)
- Traffic Officer William Glass
Administrative Staff
- Administrative Secretary Bridget Pote
- Operations Specialist Wendy Morrison
Police Links
PAY A TRAFFIC INFRACTION ONLINE
REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE ONLINE
MAINE POLICE LINKS
OTHER LINKS OF INTEREST
REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE ONLINE
MAINE POLICE LINKS
- Maine State Police
- Maine Sex Offender Registry
- Maine Criminal Justice Academy
- Maine Attorney General's Office
OTHER LINKS OF INTEREST
- Victims of Identity Theft
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
- Concerns Of Police Survivors
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- D.A.R.E.
- U.S. Dept. of Justice
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
- County Government
- Best Identity Theft Protection - www.retirementliving.com
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South Berwick Police Forms
Just click the form you want to use, fill the form out, and either drop the filled-out form by the Police Department or e-mail it to: southberwickpd@sbpd.us
Communications Center/Dispatch Center
The South Berwick Police Department began contracting with Sanford Regional Communications Center for our communications needs in August 2018.
They answer our emergency and non-emergency phone lines as well as communicate with our police personnel via radios.
To report both emergency and non-emergency incidents please call (207) 384-2254 and select option #1.
They answer our emergency and non-emergency phone lines as well as communicate with our police personnel via radios.
To report both emergency and non-emergency incidents please call (207) 384-2254 and select option #1.
Town Ordinances
Vehicles and Traffic
Article III
Parking, Standing, and Stopping
Article III
Parking, Standing, and Stopping
Please click HERE for the most recent version of the ordinance.
Victim/Witness Services
Information provided By the Maine Association of Victim Witness Advocates.
Throughout the United States, victims of crime are beginning to find out that the "system" does care about their losses and suffering. The needs of witnesses, too, are being addressed in recognition of the stress, inconvenience, and financial losses that people who observe crimes often experience.
Victim Witness Assistance Programs provide support in dealing with the inconvenience and anxiety of going to court, and understanding the often confusing procedures of the criminal justice process.
If you wish to receive all the services to which you are entitled as a crime victim you must contact the Victim Witness Advocate indicated on this pamphlet AND keep them informed of your current address and phone number.
Services Provided
Witness Guidelines
Victims of crime are entitled to the following basic rights:
Resources and Phone Numbers
Androscoggin District Attorney: Auburn: (207) 784-1397
Aroostook District Attorney: Caribou: (207) 498-2557 / Houlton: (207) 532-4294
Cumberland District Attorney: Portland: (207) 871-8384
Franklin District Attorney: Farmington: (207) 778-5890
Hancock District Attorney: Ellsworth: (207) 667-4621
Kennebec District Attorney: Augusta: (207) 623-1156
Knox District Attorney: Rockland: (207) 594-0424
Lincoln District Attorney: Wiscasset: (207) 882-7312
Oxford District Attorney: South Paris: (207) 743-8282
Penobscot District Attorney: Bangor: (207) 942-8552
Piscataquis District Attorney: Dover-Foxcroft: (207) 564-2181
Sagadahoc District Attorney: Bath: (207) 443-8204
Somerset District Attorney: Skowhegan: (207) 474-2423
Waldo District Attorney: Belfast: (207) 338-2512
Washington District Attorney: Machias: (207) 225-4425 / Calais: (207) 454-3159
York District Attorney: Alfred: (207) 324-8001 / Biddeford: (207) 282-3006 / Springvale: (207) 324-1174
Office of the Attorney General: Augusta: (207) 626-8515 & (207) 626-8500
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-452-SAFE
Maine Dept. of Human Services: 1-800-452-1999
Maine Victim's Compensation Program: 1-800-903-7882
Maine Department of Corrections Victim Information: 1-800-968-6909
U.S. Attorney-Victim Witness Coordinator: 1-800-984-6377
Throughout the United States, victims of crime are beginning to find out that the "system" does care about their losses and suffering. The needs of witnesses, too, are being addressed in recognition of the stress, inconvenience, and financial losses that people who observe crimes often experience.
Victim Witness Assistance Programs provide support in dealing with the inconvenience and anxiety of going to court, and understanding the often confusing procedures of the criminal justice process.
If you wish to receive all the services to which you are entitled as a crime victim you must contact the Victim Witness Advocate indicated on this pamphlet AND keep them informed of your current address and phone number.
Services Provided
- Information about the court process.
- Information about victim's rights.
- Assistance in applying for victim compensation.
- Notification of court hearings and sentencing.
- Support within the court system on behalf of victims of crime.
- Referral and information about the State and local resources that provide additional services.
- Assistance in return of property and restitution.
- Filing notification of release requests with Department of Corrections.
Witness Guidelines
- Always tell the truth.
- Be prepared to tell what happened, but don't try to memorize your testimony.
- Listen carefully to the question and think before answering. If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated or explained.
- Do not guess. If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated or explained.
- Speak loudly and clearly.
- Look at the person asking the questions while you are testifying.
- Stop speaking if the judge interrupts or if an attorney objects to a question.
- Be courteous. Don't argue with an attorney, even if he/she acts discourteously or offensively.
- Dress neatly and appropriately.
- Stay calm.
Victims of crime are entitled to the following basic rights:
- To be treated with dignity and respect.
- To be assisted by criminal justice agencies.
- To be informed about the criminal justice system.
- Whenever practicable, to be notified of plea agreements, and the right to comment on them.
- Whenever practicable, to be notified all judicial proceedings, including time and place of trial.
- Whenever practicable, to be notified of the proposed dismissal or filing of a complaint, information, or indictment before the action is taken.
- To have input in sentencing.
- To request restitution.
- To request compensation from the Victim Compensation Board for un-reimbursed medical and medically related expenses for victims of violent crimes upon request to the Department of Corrections.
- To be notified of defendant's release from institutional confinement in all felony cases.
- To be provided with a pamphlet containing certain statutes which pertain to victim's rights.
Resources and Phone Numbers
Androscoggin District Attorney: Auburn: (207) 784-1397
Aroostook District Attorney: Caribou: (207) 498-2557 / Houlton: (207) 532-4294
Cumberland District Attorney: Portland: (207) 871-8384
Franklin District Attorney: Farmington: (207) 778-5890
Hancock District Attorney: Ellsworth: (207) 667-4621
Kennebec District Attorney: Augusta: (207) 623-1156
Knox District Attorney: Rockland: (207) 594-0424
Lincoln District Attorney: Wiscasset: (207) 882-7312
Oxford District Attorney: South Paris: (207) 743-8282
Penobscot District Attorney: Bangor: (207) 942-8552
Piscataquis District Attorney: Dover-Foxcroft: (207) 564-2181
Sagadahoc District Attorney: Bath: (207) 443-8204
Somerset District Attorney: Skowhegan: (207) 474-2423
Waldo District Attorney: Belfast: (207) 338-2512
Washington District Attorney: Machias: (207) 225-4425 / Calais: (207) 454-3159
York District Attorney: Alfred: (207) 324-8001 / Biddeford: (207) 282-3006 / Springvale: (207) 324-1174
Office of the Attorney General: Augusta: (207) 626-8515 & (207) 626-8500
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-452-SAFE
Maine Dept. of Human Services: 1-800-452-1999
Maine Victim's Compensation Program: 1-800-903-7882
Maine Department of Corrections Victim Information: 1-800-968-6909
U.S. Attorney-Victim Witness Coordinator: 1-800-984-6377
The Yellow Dot Program
The Yellow Dot Program is a free program to assist first responders in the first “golden hour” after a crash or medical emergency. Placing the yellow dot sticker in the lower left corner of your vehicle’s rear window notifies first responders that there is vital medical information in the vehicle’s glove box. This information is extremely important when a person is in medical distress and cannot speak to the first responders.Each Yellow Dot envelope contains a personal information sheet and a yellow window decal. There should be one personal information sheet for every person that regularly uses the vehicle. Fill the sheet out with pencil to allow for easy updating whenever medical information changes. Store the information sheets in the yellow envelope and keep in glove compartment of the vehicle. Personal information sheets can be printed by clicking here. Full packets can be picked up at any of the participating agencies listed:
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