As a self-proclaimed “social butterfly,” Bangor police officer Keith Larby was eager for his first day on the downtown walking beat.
Larby started his first shift Tuesday morning, stopping in to talk with business owners and even responding on foot to a minor car crash on Harlow Street.
The downtown walking beat returned after Bangor City Council asked Police Chief Mark Hathaway in a March meeting how to address people using substances, experiencing mental health crises and loitering downtown.
After nearly 12 years on the force, Larby said he thought the walking beat would be a good fit for him because he enjoys talking to people and forming relationships with them.
When different officers respond to calls, it’s hard for a business owner or person to build trust and form a relationship with the department. As the primary cop responding to all downtown calls, Larby said he hopes to build those connections.
After nearly 12 years on the force, Larby said he thought the walking beat would be a good fit for him because he enjoys talking to people and forming relationships with them. Credit: Linda Coan O'Kresik / BDN
Larby plans to use a mixture of traditional policing while also giving people a break when it makes sense and doesn’t jeopardize anyone’s safety. For example, asking someone to change their behavior and stop an action.
“I’m all about giving people a shot to fix the issue,” he said.
Overall, he wants to keep people out of jail, but at the end of day, it’s up to that person and their actions.
The job isn’t just about communicating with businesses, Larby said. He’ll interact with people on the street and is happy to stop and talk with anyone who wants to say hi.
Larby’s shift is typically Tuesday to Friday, but it will change depending on the needs of downtown and what events are happening.
