Bangor Police Respond to Safety Concerns Along River Walkway

You may have seen or heard recently that the City of Bangor and Maine Department of Transportation worked together to complete the Penobscot River Walkway.

There have been several comments and concerns shared over the safety of the riverwalk in Bangor and what is being done to make sure that everyone can feel comfortable while enjoying the beautiful, completed trail for exercise, fun, and relaxation. We knew just who to reach out to for answers.

Bangor Police Department Quickly Responded to Our Questions

David Bugenske/TSM Maine

We feel that it is important to share that after reaching out to Bangor Police Department, they were kind enough to not only respond (in less than an hour) to our questions, but also were gracious enough to accept our invitation to join us on air and cover a wide range of public safety issues, including the concerns expressed over the Bangor River Walkway.

David Bugenske/TSM Maine

Thank you Sgt. Jason McAmbley of Bangor Police Department

Sgt. Jason McAmbley took the time to answer the following questions and will be joining David and Cindy in the morning on Q106.5 for an hour on Tuesday, August 27th beginning at 7am. Be sure to have the Q106.5 app so you can listen anywhere and have your questions ready to call in!

Will cameras be set up along the trail in Bangor similar to the Brewer Waterfront Trail?

Yes.

Many have concerns about needles along the trail. Is anything being done to address that? What can citizens do when they see them?

The city has contracted with the Health Equity Alliance (HEAL) on Hancock Street for syringe pick-up and disposal. Concerned citizens may contact them at (207) 888-1998, or emailing syringepickup@mainehealthequity.org.

What can families and pedestrians using the trail do to be proactive in regard to public safety and making sure they have an enjoyable experience?

Go out and enjoy the trail. While we understand the people experiencing homelessness make people uncomfortable, they're not targeting citizens to victimize.

Many residents have expressed concerns about drug use and transients along the trail. Will that be addressed, and what can residents do if they see a crime happening?

Drug use and transients are a public health/social welfare issue, not a police or law enforcement issue. Some who are experiencing substance abuse disorder are immune to some minor offenses (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/17-A/title17-Asec1111-B.pdf)

Our area of expertise is law enforcement. If persons believe they are witnessing a crime, they should immediately contact the police to make a report.

Thank you Sgt. McAmbley. We are thrilled that you will be joining us on Q106.5 this Tuesday.