Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department

For all Animal Control issues or concerns please contact:

Animal Control (207) 852-6214

Dial 911 in an Emergency

An emergency is a life threatening situation, crime or incident in progress. If in question dial 911.

Non-Emergency Phone Number

For Non-Emergency calls contact Dispatch at 207-945-4636. They know the status of the Deputy on duty and have radio contact with them to advise them of any complaints or phone calls.

Penobscot Regional Communications Center

Call: 207-945-4636

Remember when calling the Town Office, they can only leave a message for a Deputy when or if they return back to the office. They do not have direct contact with the Deputy to advise them of your call.  Please contact P.R.C.C. at 207-945-4636.

Records Division

Call: 207-947-4585

The Records Division manages all of the data and police investigative reports.  If you are requesting a copy of a police report or accident report, you may contact the Records Division at the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office at 207-947-4585.  Please keep in mind that there are fees for all reports.  Accident reports can also be accessed online at getcrashreports.com.

Sex Offender Registry Fingerprints/Enrollment

Please contact Sgt. Rose Mannette at 207-947-4585 to schedule an appointment.

More General Information:

 

 Gary Decker – Sergeant

gdecker@penobscot-sheriff.net

 Always be aware of Frauds and Scams.  Some people will try to fool you out of money and trick you into giving them your personal information.  Don’t be a victim! Listed below are some recent frauds and scams that police are encountering on a daily basis in the Hermon area:

WARNING:

FAKE CHECK SCAM

You may receive a letter in the mail which contains a check that looks real, but is actually fake! You’re instructed to deposit “the check” into your checking or bank account, then send a portion of the money back to the scam artist or third person.  They usually tell you to keep a portion of the money as a fee for your time.   The scammer usually requests money returned by wire transfer or a re-loadable card.  After you send the money, you soon find out that the check that was cashed or deposited is now fake.  You just sent money to a stranger and the bank is draining all of your accounts to get their money back. Please don’t fall for this one!  If it seems to good to be true, it probably isn’t!

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WARNING:

 COMPUTER FIX SCAM

These scams usually involve a phone call from someone claiming to “work for Microsoft or another well-known company” .  The caller indicate’s they’ve been looking at your computer and have noticed dangerous software popping up.  Another version tries to persuade you that your computer has a serious tech problem that needs immediate repair. In both instances the caller wants you to give them remote access to your computer.  Don’t be fooled!

If you allow the caller access to your computer, you also allow them to have free reign to your personal information.  You also give them the ability to download malware and spyware onto your computer which could infect your computer with a virus.  To make matters even worse they will probably lock your computer and ask for a ransom in order unlock it.  If you get this call please hang up.  If you are contacted via pop up or email about these things, please delete them.  Never give someone you don’t know access to your computer.  If you’re concerned about your computer’s safety or running ability, take it to a local tech for assistance.

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WARNING:

 CALLER ID SPOOFING

Caller Identification (ID) is a service that allows someone to see the phone number and sometimes the name or location of the person or business that is calling them on the phone.  Caller ID spoofing is the act of fabricating a phone number or business to represent a caller.  This technology exists which allows criminals to use or make any number appear on your caller ID. Sometimes the scammers can use “your own number” to spoof others to make it look like you are calling.   Caller ID spoofing is an act to trick you into accepting the callers scam.  Don’t be fooled!

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WARNING:

GRANDPARENT OR RELATIVE SCAM

You receive a phone call and someone claims to be your grandchild or is calling on their behalf. The caller claims there has been a mishap and money is needed immediately. The caller may claim that your grandchild is in jail and may need bail money. They may ask you not to tell your grandchild’s parents in fear of getting in more trouble. Keeping it a secret is always a red flag!  Never wire money or give out bank info based on a telephone call.  Avoid this scam.  Try to call the grandchild on a phone number that you know is accurate.  If no contact is made try calling a family member who can confirm your grandchild’s safety.  If in doubt, PLEASE contact the police before any action is taken so you can verify if the call is a scam or not.

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WARNING:

CREDIT CARD “SKIMMING” DEVICES AT GAS STATIONS AND ATM MACHINES

Credit card and Debit Card “skimming devices” have stolen millions of dollars from consumers over the past couple years. Victims have been found all over the United States and more recently here in Hermon over the past few months.  This is a fairly new fraudulent crime which has been working its way up the New England coast towards Maine.  More and more cases of this card skimming trend are now being found here in Central and Southern Maine.

“Skimmers” are criminals who use fake card swipe machines and steal credit and debit card information (along with pin numbers).  Skimmers have stolen millions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers at gas pumps and ATM machines by cloning your card information.

Skimming devices placed on gas pumps and ATM machines are almost undetectable.  The devices are shaped and disguised to blend into the specific model of the machine.  The skimmer goes in between the credit-card reader and the circuit board and collects data when your card is inserted.  Some devices extract the credit card information, while others are Bluetooth capable and send information directly back to the criminal.

Some skimmer criminals also place “pin-hole cameras” which are attached to the specific machine.   These cameras are hidden in attached trim pieces that are blended to match the existing machines trim.  They have also been located hidden in attached brochure holders that have been added to the machine. These cameras face and point towards the existing number board on the machine.  Criminals can record and collect your pin information when typing in your debit card pin number.

Once criminals collect your card information they then produce fake cards with your information on them.  Criminals can then use the cards themselves or sell the cards to other criminals who want to scam your information.

HOW TO MINIMIZE RISKS POSED BY CARD SKIMMERS

1. Totally avoid becoming a victim and use cash only at the pump.  This may also lower the price per gallon by paying with cash at certain locations.
2. If using a card at the pump or at the ATM, pull onto the card reader that is attached to the machine.  A lot of the skimmer devices will pull off as they are simply placed over the existing card reader.  If you do locate a skimming device, PLEASE contact the local police department and report it immediately.
3.  If using a debit card at the pump, have the card processed as a credit card transaction. The pump will ask if the card is debit or credit once inserted. Select credit so you do not have to enter your pin number at the pump.  Your purchase will still be debited from your checking account.
4.  Look for the fake “pin-hole cameras” as described earlier. These may be difficult to detect but they are usually located in a relatively close location facing the number pad located on the machine.
5.  Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to identify unauthorized transactions.

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WARNING:  

Tax Refund Fraud and IRS Telephone Scams

It’s that time of year again when everyone has to file their taxes.  In past years people have filed their taxes to only find out from the IRS that someone has already filed taxes in their name fraudulently.    We would like to share a few tips to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of tax refund fraud.

1. File your tax return as early as possible.  If you can beat the criminals to the punch and your legitimate return is filed first, then any subsequent fraudulent return filings will be rejected.
2. Do not provide any personal information in response to requests through email, especially emails that appear to come from the IRS.
3. If a member of your family has passed away during the tax year, file a “final” tax return for that individual as soon as possible. Thieves are notorious for filing returns for deceased individuals.
4. Be suspicious of phone calls from the IRS. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, request the person’s “IRS Badge Number” immediately and contact the IRS independently to verify the badge number.  The IRS will rarely contact a taxpayer by phone and will do so only after many notices have been sent by mail.

You should also be aware of IRS phone call scams.  The IRS will not call you and demand immediate payment without having sent you a bill in the mail.  The IRS will allow you to appeal any amount you may owe.  They will not require you to pay your taxes in a certain way, such as a prepaid debit card.  They will never ask you for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.  The IRS will also never threaten to have the police or other agencies arrest you for not paying your taxes.

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For more information in regards to other common consumer scams please visit “The Office of the Maine Attorney General” at  http://maine.gov/ag/consumer/scams.shtml.

WARNING:  To ALL Speeding Motorists

Penobscot County Deputies will be out and about on a daily basis enforcing speeding violations!  If your travelling in the Town of Hermon – Beware!

As the weather changes and the days become warmer and the roads become dryer, people have a tendency to grow a “lead foot” and not pay attention to the posted speed limits.  We begin to receive an excessive amount of speeding complaints on a weekly basis.  Deputies will be out and about enforcing all of the posted speed limits throughout the Town of Hermon.  We do this to gain voluntary compliance with the public and to prevent accidents from occurring.  Please comply with the posted speed limits or it could make your pocket or wallet “a little lighter”.

The current fines for speeding are as follows:

• Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit – $134.00
• Speeding 10-14 mph over the limit – $152.00
• Speeding 15-19 mph over the limit – $200.00
• Speeding 20-24 mph over the limit – $230.00
• Speeding 25-29 mph over the limit – $278.00
• Speeding greater than 30 MPH – CRIMINAL SUMMONS or ARREST
• Speeding in School Zones or Construction Zones, fines can almost DOUBLE!!

We encourage everyone to obey the law and to monitor the posted speed limits.  Don’t be in such a hurry and enjoy your surroundings!!  Lets Pay Attention and Travel Safe!  

ALERT:

Motor Vehicle Burglaries

As the seasons begin to change, so doesn’t some of the crimes we deal with.  The weather is getting warmer and people are out and about….especially during the night time hours.  We are beginning to see more activity at night which can mean more property crimes.   Thieves like to take advantage of the darkness to do their dirty deeds.  Over the past month we have begun to see an increase in Motor Vehicle burglaries in the surrounding towns.  Don’t be a statistic or simple pray.

• Lock your doors wherever you go.
• Lock your doors at night, even if it is at home.
• Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Don’t leave your valuables inside the vehicle.  Hide them from plain view.
• Especially don’t leave your vehicle running and unattended.

Remember these crimes can happen to you!  Don’t be a victim!  Use some common sense and don’t be gullible.  Don’t be the person that says….I should have!

ALERT:

Winter Driving Tips in Maine

By Sgt. Bobbie Pelletier

If you find yourself hitting the roads during adverse weather conditions, consider these driving tips to stay safe during your journey:

1. Inspect your vehicle. Make sure you have adequate tires on the front and rear of your vehicle with good winter tire tread. Check your tire’s air pressure to make sure it is adequate.
2. Make sure your vehicle and windows are clear of snow and ice. Maintain good visibility of the road and of others.  Check your windshield wipers and replace them if needed.
3. Drive slowly. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent in snowy and icy conditions.  Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you in case you need to brake unexpectedly.  Make sure you plan your trip accordingly and give yourself some extra time to reach your destination safely.
4. Pack a winter travel safety kit. Include a cell phone, ice scraper and brush,  tow rope, blanket, flashlight with good batteries, lock de-icer, matches, and even some snacks and water in case you get stranded along your way.
5. Keep a light touch on the controls. Smooth operation is the key to keeping control in slippery situations. Nervousness can lead to a hard clench on the steering wheel, which can result in loss of control. Consciously loosen your grasp or stretch out your fingers from time to time to help prevent that white-knuckled grip.
6. Know how to recover from skids. When braking on a slippery road, it’s all too easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes a little too hard. If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes. This used to be called “turning into the skid,” but tests have shown that drivers often misinterpret these words in real-life situations.
7. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle. Stay warm and wait for assistance. Don’t stand outside of your vehicle as another vehicle could lose control and skid in your direction.  Stay in your vehicle for protection.  Make sure that your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions, including snow and ice; if you don’t, carbon monoxide gas can build up inside the vehicle.
8. Most of all DRIVE SAFE!!

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ALERT:

Residential Burglaries and Motor Vehicle Burglaries

Article by Sgt. Bobbie Pelletier

Over the past couple of days some surrounding towns have been hit with several residential and motor vehicle burglaries.  These burglaries occurred during the night time hours.  It should be known that burglars are not always from the same town or area where the burglaries occur.  We have seen in the past where some burglars drive to areas in surrounding towns and get out and walk on foot during the night time hours.  Town residents may live in a nice quiet neighborhood, but sometimes these are the areas which burglars target as they know they are quiet and often property is unsecured.

Here are a few safety tips to help prevent crime in your area:

If you leave home lock all your doors and windows. Even if it is for a short time.  Daytime burglaries are more frequent as burglars know that residents are usually at work during the day time hours.

1. During the night time hours lock your doors and single level windows. Also lock the doors to your vehicles and never leave the keys in the ignition. People are out and about at night as the nights are warmer.  Motor vehicle burglars typically do not target locked vehicles and they move on.
2. If you keep valuables in your vehicle, store them out of plain sight.
3. Leave outside lights on at night or install motion detection lights.Burglars do not like to be visible at night and often this can create a deterrence.
4. If you go away to camp, go on vacation or leave for the weekend tell a neighbor. This is a good way to meet your neighbors and maybe you can return the favor for them if they go away.
5. If you go away make your home look occupied. Connect interior lamps to automatic timers.
6. Don’t let daily deliveries of mail or newspapers build up. Contact the post office or have a trusting neighbor or friend pick them up for you.
7. Arrange your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended period of time.
8. Always lock your garages, shed and basement windows.
9. Never leave notes on your door such as “gone shopping”, “gone for the weekend”, etc.
10. If you observe suspicious people, vehicles or activity, report it to the police immediately. Write down license plate numbers and descriptions.  Do not wait!  You have to be the eyes in your neighborhood.
11. If you notice a burglary report it immediately. Do not enter your home or vehicle.  Do not touch or clean up anything.  Call from a cell phone or a neighbor’s residence.  Wait for the police to arrive.

If you follow some of these tips you are less likely to become a victim. DON’T BE A VICTIM!  If you SEE something, SAY something!

It is illegal to park in or on roadways in the State of Maine, per Title 29A, 2069.

Parked in violation.  A law enforcement officer or the Department of Transportation may cause the removal of a vehicle or require the operator to move the vehicle from a location in violation of section 2068, subsection1 to a location where parking is permitted.

Interfering with snow removal, normal traffic movement.  A law enforcement officer may cause the removal to a suitable parking place, at the expense of the registered owner, of a vehicle interfering with snow removal or the normal movement of traffic or parked within the limits of a right-of-way.  The Department of Transportation may take the same action for a vehicle standing on property under its jurisdiction.

Liability for damages; charges.  The State, a political subdivision of the State or a law enforcement officer is not liable for damage that may be caused by removal of a vehicle or for any towing or storage charges.

The fine for the summons of the above law is $152.00.

To speak with a Deputy directly and remain anonymous please call 207-945-4636.