Camden referendum shows overwhelming support for local police department

Camden Voters Approve Keeping Town-Operated Police Department

CAMDEN, Maine – Residents of Camden cast ballots in a nonbinding referendum that overwhelmingly favored maintaining the town’s own police department, according to local election officials.

The vote, held earlier this month as part of the town’s regular election cycle, asked Camden residents whether they wanted the municipality to retain control over its police force. While the measure carried no legal weight, it served as a clear indicator of public opinion on the issue.

In the past decade, Camden’s police department has been a point of discussion in state‑wide debates over municipal versus county policing. State law allows towns the option to run their own police agencies, but many communities have chosen to contract with county sheriff’s offices for cost‑efficiency and resource sharing. Camden, however, has historically managed its own policing, citing local accountability and a desire to keep law enforcement decisions close to the community.

Town officials noted that the referendum results reflect a strong preference among Camden’s electorate for local control. “The people of Camden have made it clear that they value a police department that is accountable to them directly,” said a town spokesperson. “This decision reinforces that commitment.”

While the vote was nonbinding, it carries weight for the town’s future budgeting and policy discussions. The Camden Police Department’s leadership will continue to work with municipal leaders to address any adjustments in staffing or services that may be needed, especially as the town looks ahead to upcoming fiscal planning.

The outcome is expected to influence similar discussions in other Maine towns where local versus county policing is being re‑examined. For now, Camden’s residents have sent a clear message: keep the police department town‑operated.