Senator Collins Visits Caribou Police Station
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Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins visited the Caribou Police Station to tour the current building, which was originally constructed in 1937 as a fire station. According to the City's design consultant, the facility fails to meet current federal and international building standards and is unsuited for renovation.
City Manager Penny Thompson, Police Chief Mike Gahagan, City Councilors Joan Theriault and John Morrill, and on duty officers spoke with Senator Collins about Caribou’s plans to construct a new police station. As the Ranking Member of the Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured $2.5 million in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill to support this project. The bill must now be voted upon by the full Senate and House.
“Ensuring that Caribou’s finest have adequate facilities is essential to the delivery of efficient emergency services,” said Senator Collins. “The current police station is more than 80 years old, faces significant maintenance issues, and lacks adequate space for police officers to do their jobs as effectively as possible. This funding for a new building will enhance Caribou law enforcement’s ability to serve and protect the community. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Once completed, the new Caribou Police Station will serve as a vital hub for law enforcement across Aroostook County. The Caribou Police Station currently provides the only centralized jail holding facility for Aroostook County, 52 miles north of the County jail in Houlton. A new facility will also contribute to improved morale, officer retention, and recruitment success. Additional community benefits include increased accessibility and parking as well as a more hospitable, welcoming reception area, all separate from law enforcement operations.
