Caribou Police Department
2006 Annual Report

The year 2006 was a very busy one for the Caribou Police Department. We had over 500 more complaints and reported 54 more major crimes committed in 2006 than in 2005. Of the 63 assault charges, 47% were domestic assault, which is an alarming number that is closely related to substance abuse. Substance abuse played a big role in the number of burglary and thefts that were reported for 2006. Fortunately, the Community Alcohol and Drug Education Team (CADET) made a large effort to make Caribou and its surrounding communities aware of the growing substance abuse problem. “Town Meetings” were held on behalf of CADET to prove that substance abuse affects everyone.

On a lighter note, we said goodbye to Officer Ryan Fitzpatrick who served with our department for 2 years. Officer Fitzpatrick joined the Maine Warden Service, but continues to serve as a reserve officer. Officer Shawn Smith left law enforcement all together. Officer Nicolas Casavant took a job with the Maine State Police. We wish them all well and thank them for their dedicated service. The Caribou Police Department also said goodbye to Bobbie Scott, Administrative Assistant, after 5 years of service. We appreciate her hard work and all of the support she had for the department and the citizens of Caribou. The police department added Laura Roy as Administrative Assistant. Laura resides in Caribou and will be a great asset to the police department. Officers John Deveau and Jason Matheson returned home safely from Iraq after being there for over a year. It is good to have them home.

The Caribou Police Department ATV Patrol received a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund to assist with the purchase of a Polaris Ranger 4x4. The department participates in a multi-jurisdictional task force for ATV enforcement in Central Aroostook County. All officers patrolling trails on the ATV received specialized training in ATV enforcement and landowner relations. The department patrolled the ATV trails in Caribou, New Sweden, Stockholm, Connor, Woodland, Washburn and Presque Isle. During 2006, the Ranger was used for many events, went on many calls and patrolled many miles of Central Aroostook County. On two occasions, it was used to search for missing juveniles lost in the woods. The department has been working closely with the Caribou ATV Club, the Caribou Recreation Department and the Maine Warden Service to learn what their issues and concerns are, provide safety trainings and information regarding trail locations and use, and to help provide riders and families with a safe environment in w to ride their ATV’s.

Our department signed a 3-year lease with Plourde & Plourde of Caribou for a 2006 Harley Davidson Road King Police Motorcycle. Officer Douglas Bell received over 40 hours of basic police motorcycle operation. Over 5,350 miles were put on the motorcycle with it being utilized in many different ways, from escorts, motorcycle shows, ride along’s and parades to patrolling our streets, responding to calls and teaching motorcycle safety tips. The use of the motorcycle has been an economical savings to our department because of the price of fuel, and has been and will continue to be a valuable asset.

Again this year, officers attended numerous trainings mandated by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The Academy has introduced the Maine Law Enforcement Online Training Center, in which most of the mandatory trainings can be done through the internet, with a big cost savings to the department, making it much easier for officers to maintain their certifications.

The department received many grants that were used to purchase police equipment, including laptops and an infrared camera. The laptops were received through the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security. The laptops have a wireless connection and are assigned to each cruiser and allow officers to access the states METRO System without having to contact dispatch from their vehicles. The Thermovision Scout ZX Infrared Camera was a great addition and values at over $13,000. This device is used to detect people and criminal activity at night using body heat. We have used it to search for lost people and to detect criminals. As technology advances so does the department. With these new devices, it makes our jobs to serve the citizens easier.

I would like to thank the Officers and their families for all of their hard work and commitment to the department, they are the ones who make the department what it is.

I would also like to thank our reserve officers, who put a great deal into providing security at local events and covering shifts. Thank you to Sgt. Dale Campbell, Ptl. Anthony Collins, Ptl. Darryl Hitchcock, Ptl. Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Ptl. Michael Poulin.

In closing, I would like to thank the City Councilors, City Manager, all City Department Heads, all City employees and the citizens of Caribou for your continued support for the Caribou Police Department and myself throughout 2006.

Respecfully,

Michael W. Gahagan
Chief of Police