I am Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
This month I would like to talk about how to report a crime. It is very important to call when an incident or problem is occurring, not days after the fact.
Many Harpswell residents have dealt with me over the years. A lot of you have my cellphone number. Please call dispatch first, as I might be away or off duty when you’re having a problem. You will get much better service if you call 911 for an emergency, or 800-501-1111 if the situation is not an emergency. You may also call the nonemergency number if you have a question for a deputy.
Even when I’m working, you should call in your complaint or event to dispatch so it can be documented and properly handled. Calling my cellphone isn’t going to result in the best service, as I might be handling several issues and may not remember your call. So remember, if you think, “I should call Bradbury,” please call dispatch first.
Sometimes a caller waits hours or even days to report an incident. Please do not do this. Call when the incident is happening. If it is a crime and our deputies catch the suspect in the area, it makes for a stronger case.
A lot of people tell me, “I didn’t know if I should call or not.” Always call. Let a deputy assess the problem. I will always be happy to look into an event or problem after the fact, but we would rather know about issues as they are happening than not know until later.
If you witness an event, use your telephone to take a picture of the person, vehicle or, better yet, the license plate. These pictures are very helpful. Never use email to report a crime in progress. Call 911.
If your neighbor is causing a problem, don’t handle it yourself. Call the office and let a deputy manage the problem. A lot of people tell me they saw a strange person or vehicle in their neighborhood or yard. Call the office.
A texting reminder
The fine for texting while operating a motor vehicle is $325 for a first offense or $625 for a second.
Remember, let’s be safe out there! And don’t get voted off the islands.
The views above are the views of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
