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5 Major Ways The Auburn Maine Police Department Is Redefining Community Safety In 2025

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The Auburn, Maine Police Department (APD) is currently undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional law enforcement to embrace a model of proactive community partnership and mental health co-response. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department has solidified its position as a leader in Maine through major infrastructure projects and the expansion of key programs designed to address complex social issues like mental health crises and at-risk youth engagement. This shift reflects a modern approach to public safety, focusing on prevention, support, and building lasting trust within the Androscoggin County community. This detailed look explores the five most critical developments and programs that define the modern Auburn Police Department, from its leadership team to its multi-million dollar investments in the city’s future.

The Leadership Profile: Chief Jason D. Moen and Administration

The operational philosophy and strategic direction of the Auburn Police Department are guided by a seasoned administrative team, led by a chief with deep roots in the community.
  • Chief of Police: Jason D. Moen
  • Deputy Chief of Police: Timothy A. Cougle
  • Role: 22nd Chief of Police for the City of Auburn.
  • Service History: Chief Moen is a 23-year veteran of the Auburn force.
  • Career Start: He began his career with the department as a Patrol Officer in 1995.
  • Previous Roles: Throughout his tenure, he has served in various capacities, including as a School Resource Officer.
  • Administration Focus: The administration oversees key divisions, including Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Support Services, ensuring a cohesive public safety strategy across the city.

1. The $9 Million Police Activities League (PAL) Center

One of the most visible and impactful projects demonstrating the APD’s commitment to community policing is the development of the new Police Activities League (PAL) Community Center. This initiative is a direct response to crime data and a decade-long effort to connect police with at-risk youth. The PAL program, established by the APD, is dedicated to providing positive, horizon-broadening experiences for the city's youth. The new facility represents a massive investment in this mission.

Key Features of the New PAL Facility

The new center, which was planned with a $9 million budget and features a final cost that came in under budget, is a state-of-the-art hub for youth engagement.
  • Funding: The project received significant financial backing, including $3 million in federal funding to support its construction and expanded programming.
  • Amenities: The facility includes a full-size gymnasium, a commercial-grade kitchen for culinary programs, and a dedicated teen space.
  • Goal: By providing a safe, structured environment for educational and athletic activities, the PAL Center aims to build strong, positive relationships between police officers and young community members, fundamentally changing the narrative around law enforcement interaction.

2. Expansion of Project Support You: Mental Health Co-Response

The Auburn Police Department has been a pioneer in Maine for its innovative approach to mental health calls through "Project Support You." First rolled out in late 2018, this program acknowledges that not all calls for service require a purely law enforcement response. In a major update for early 2025, the APD announced the addition of new staff to the program, signifying a commitment to its continued expansion.

How the Co-Response Model Works

Project Support You operates on a co-response model that has become a national standard for best practices in crisis intervention.
  • Partnership: The program partners APD officers with professional crisis workers employed by Spurwink, a leading provider of behavioral health services.
  • Function: These specialized teams co-respond to calls for service that involve individuals experiencing mental health issues or substance use crises.
  • Outcome: The goal is to de-escalate situations, provide immediate on-site treatment, and connect individuals directly with long-term mental health resources, diverting them away from emergency rooms or the criminal justice system.

3. The New Auburn Public Safety Building Project

Looking ahead, the APD is preparing for a major operational upgrade with the final design review of the new Auburn Public Safety Building. This project is a crucial step in modernizing the city’s emergency services infrastructure. The current facility is aging and no longer meets the needs of a growing, modern police and fire department. The new building will house both the Auburn Police Department and the Auburn Fire Department, creating a unified public safety hub. This consolidation is expected to improve inter-departmental communication, streamline emergency response times, and provide officers and staff with a state-of-the-art working environment. This investment is not just in bricks and mortar, but in the efficiency and professionalism of the city's first responders.

4. Recent High-Profile Incidents and Public Safety Reports

The APD remains highly active in addressing serious crime and maintaining public order, often collaborating with the Maine State Police and the Lewiston Police Department. Recent activity underscores the complexity of policing in Androscoggin County:
  • Standoffs and Arrests: The department has recently managed high-stakes incidents, including an all-night standoff that led to multiple charges for an Auburn man, and a 10-hour standoff involving the arrest of three teenagers.
  • Drug Enforcement: APD officers have made arrests related to drug trafficking following suspected overdoses, highlighting the ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis in the region.
  • Use of Force Review: The department is subject to rigorous review processes, including an Attorney General's report on the use of deadly force in a police shooting that occurred in June 2024, with a report due in March 2025. This transparency is a key component of modern accountability.

5. Key Community Outreach and Prevention Programs

In addition to the high-profile PAL and Project Support You, the Auburn Police Department maintains several other programs focused on prevention and direct community support.
  • Elderly Scam Warnings: In response to rising fraud, the APD has issued public warnings about scams specifically targeting the elderly, demonstrating a focus on protecting the city's most vulnerable residents.
  • Project Lifesaver: This essential program, facilitated through the police department, uses a bracelet-like transmitter to help quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders (such as Alzheimer's or Autism) who may wander.
  • National Night Out: The APD regularly participates in National Night Out, a nationwide campaign designed to strengthen the relationship between police and the community, fostering a sense of partnership and trust.
These diverse initiatives, from the multi-million dollar PAL Center to the critical mental health co-response teams, paint a picture of an Auburn Police Department that is actively adapting to the evolving challenges of modern public safety. The department's focus on community engagement, mental health, and infrastructure modernization positions it as a progressive force dedicated to the well-being of the entire Auburn, Maine, community.
5 Major Ways the Auburn Maine Police Department is Redefining Community Safety in 2025
auburn maine police dept
auburn maine police dept

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