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Maine State Police Face Scrutiny Over Use of Force Lawsuit

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. ice-face-scrutiny-over-use-of-force-lawsuit.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 4:17 GMT by Bangor Daily News
      Locales: Maine, UNITED STATES

Maine Public Safety Under Scrutiny: Lawsuit Sparks Debate on Use of Force and Transparency

AUGUSTA, Maine - February 4th, 2026 - A recent legislative hearing has brought renewed attention to the Maine State Police's use of force policies, following a lawsuit alleging excessive force during an arrest in October 2023. The case, involving Jeremy Mayo of Stockton Springs, has sparked concerns among lawmakers regarding transparency, accountability, and potential financial repercussions for the state.

The lawsuit, filed in December, details accusations that troopers employed excessive force - specifically, the use of a Taser and physical strikes - during Mayo's arrest, resulting in significant injuries. While the state is actively seeking to dismiss the suit, the case has triggered a wave of questioning directed toward Michael Saxton, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

During a hearing before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, Saxton faced a barrage of inquiries regarding the lawsuit, its possible financial implications, and the existing departmental guidelines surrounding the use of force. However, Saxton largely deflected direct responses, consistently citing the ongoing litigation and established department policy as justifications for his limited disclosures. He affirmed the department's cooperation with the Attorney General's office in defending the state's position.

"We are committed to ensuring the integrity of the legal process," Saxton stated, repeatedly declining to elaborate on specific details of the Mayo case. This approach drew criticism from several members of the committee, who expressed frustration with what they perceived as a lack of transparency.

Representative William Browne (R-Wells) voiced concerns about the state's position, questioning the potential strain on the state budget should the lawsuit proceed and result in a settlement or judgment. Saxton acknowledged the potential for cost but refrained from providing any financial estimate, stating the department was "working diligently to manage the risk."

Senator Michael Wilkins (D-Portland) echoed the sentiment of public concern, emphasizing the public's right to information. "The public deserves to know more about this," Wilkins stated. "We need to have a conversation about the department's use of force policies and the accountability measures in place."

This lawsuit isn't an isolated incident. It represents a pattern of legal challenges and increased public scrutiny of Maine State Police practices. In 2022, the department reached a settlement with the ACLU of Maine concerning its drone surveillance policies, highlighting a growing concern regarding the balance between law enforcement tools and individual privacy rights. This prior case, alongside the current lawsuit, points towards a deeper need for comprehensive review and potential reform of Maine State Police protocols.

The current debate extends beyond the specifics of the Mayo case. It's prompting a broader conversation about police training, de-escalation techniques, and the implementation of body cameras - tools that could potentially provide crucial evidence and enhance accountability. Advocates for police reform argue that increased transparency and independent oversight are essential to building public trust and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Furthermore, the legal costs associated with defending against lawsuits like the Mayo case - and potentially paying settlements - place a significant burden on taxpayers. Critics suggest that investing in proactive measures, such as enhanced training and clear use-of-force guidelines, could ultimately prove more cost-effective than repeatedly defending against allegations of misconduct.

The Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee did not take any immediate action during the hearing. However, the committee is expected to revisit the issue, potentially scheduling further hearings or initiating a review of the Department of Public Safety's policies. The outcome of the Mayo lawsuit, and the committee's response, will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Maine's law enforcement landscape and the ongoing dialogue surrounding police accountability and public safety. The lack of a clear answer from the Commissioner only heightens the need for independent review and a public airing of the department's use of force protocols.