Old Town police will temporarily patrol Penobscot Nation Reservation

The Old Town Police Department will temporarily patrol the Penobscot Indian Reservation effective Sunday.

The Penobscot Indian Nation’s police department is short staffed and is “operating below its optimal capacity,” a news release on Thursday from Old Town and Penobscot Nation said.

Several police officers have recently left the Penobscot Nation department to work at larger departments or in the private sector, a letter to Penobscot Nation from Chief Kirk Francis said.

Old Town will provide policing while the Penobscot Nation works to recruit, hire and train staff so it can return to full-time police operations.

The Penobscot Nation Tribal Council and the Old Town City Council unanimously approved the temporary contract.

Old Town police will be granted full law enforcement authority on Penobscot reservation lands, to conduct routine patrols, respond to emergencies and enforce tribal, local and state laws, the letter said. Starting at 6 a.m. Sunday, a call to 911 will dispatch an Old Town police officer.

Staffing is an issue for police departments across the country and is especially an issue for tribal police, Francis said in the letter.

“Addressing the current staffing shortage is a top priority for us,” Francis said. “We are grateful for the city of Old Town’s assistance during this critical period. Their support enables us to focus on building a stronger, fully staffed police force that will continue to serve and protect our community effectively.”

There is no set end date for the agreement. It will be in effect until Penobscot Nation’s police department is adequately staffed, the release said. Penobscot Nation will pay for the cost of Old Town providing police services.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents,” Old Town Assistant City Manager Travis Roy said. “By extending our support to the Penobscot Nation, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to community safety and fostering a spirit of cooperation.”