A Message from Sheriff Mark A. Westrum

The Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office continues to embrace a philosophy of community partnerships and problem solving initiatives in our approach to policing throughout the county.

Our goal since I was elected Sheriff in 1992, is to forge positive influences in our communities. We participate in dozens of community events. We also provide programs in our elementary schools such as Project Alert, DARE, Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs, Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D., and Archery in the Schools. These events bring our youth and law enforcement staff together where long lasting bonds are often forged.

Partnering with Volunteers of America, Chief Deputy Manhardt has assisted community members in establishing an annual "Battle of the Bands" contest for teenagers throughout our region. As many as 20 bands come together in a full day of competition where judges select winning bands. This effort brings kids, parents, and communities together as we celebrate the talent of our youth, encourage them to stay in school, and remain chemical free.

My office continues to be creative in our approach to County Corrections. For many years we have led the State in our inmate diversion programs by holding criminals accountable for their actions, but keeping our costs down by providing in-depth community supervision, supervised bail, day reporting and pre-trial diversion. In 2007 these programs saved Sagadahoc County Taxpayers $739,583.00 for clients who would have otherwise been incarcerated, and provided 6,358 man hours of community service.

The new Two Bridges Regional Jail recently opened. This endeavor is the first of it's kind; a partnership between two Maine Counties. It has been a privilege working with Lincoln County officials and citizens to bring the first Regional Jail built north of the state of Virginia right here to Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.

This partnership will eventually reduce our cost of county corrections but provide for more programs including Public Works and Work Release, more restitution opportunities for victims, job placement, life skills programs, effective parenting, adult education and literacy opportunities. Our goal is to reduce recidivism, and keep families intact by providing opportunities that allow an inmate to come back into the community as a working and viable member of society. These goals may seem lofty to some, but are attainable by having immediate local access to our inmates and administering innovative diversion programs.

The Sheriff's Office supports all programs that assist our elderly population by working with TRIAD, Elder Abuse Task Force, and AARP Driver Safety Program.

As Chairman of the Sagadahoc County Community Justice Project for the last 12 years, it has been my privilege to work with dozens of county citizens on various programs that embrace and encourage partnerships, and problem solving that positively impact our quality of life and reduces crime.

I encourage you to surf our award winning website for more information and detail as to how YOU can embrace our philosophy in your agency and community.

Thank You,

Sheriff Mark A. Westrum