USM’s Portland Police left their offices in the Steego Building on Bedford Street for a new and improved space in the Sullivan Fitness Complex last Monday. Upcoming construction of the University Commons is displacing them. Lt. Jim Stanhope said the new area is smaller, but there is more office space than before. In addition, they may be better positioned to serve the campus.
The added offices provide more for handling cases sensitive to confidentiality.
Stanhope added that the new location also gives the police a few extra parking spaces, and the Sullivan complex has more handicap-accessible spots.
Chief Lisa Beecher expressed concern that the sign at the new location isn’t visible enough for the public. Stanhope agreed and said, “I’d like to see the sign right in the middle of campus.”
With the new location, Beecher, who usually works from her office at the Gorham campus, will be able to put in more hours in Portland. She said, “We’re going to make it work.” u