LD 2109 would arbitrarily require rural police to maintain 2020 patrol levels, with no analysis or justification of when, where, why, or how often.
Over the past several years, our state and our nation have finally begun to closely examine the effectiveness of turning law enforcement officers into first responders for behavioral and mental health crises. If Maine had invested heavily in its mental and behavioral health infrastructure, there would be fewer lethal confrontations between police and people in crisis.
This legislation ignores the realities facing Maine's people and Maine law enforcement by mandating a certain level of rural police patrols. The bill does not even require an analysis of why, where, and when police patrols should happen.
It's far past time to radically reimagine public safety. People do not need more police surveillance. Maine's people need access to health care, housing, jobs, education, and vocational training. LD 2109 would waste more state resources on law enforcement, further neglecting the investments that will truly make our communities safe.
Bill Movement:
This bill originated in 2024 during the Second Regular Session of the 131st Legislature.
- Bill printed: 1/3/2024
- Referred to Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety: 1/3/2024
- Public hearing in committee: 1/29/24
- Work session and vote in committee: 2/28/2024 (DIVIDED REPORT)
- Ought to pass as amended: 10
- Ought not to pass: 2
- House vote: N/A
- Senate vote: N/A
- Action by governor: N/A
