Equity, respect ... appreciation

As with most enterprises that serve alcohol or offer risk, the new casino has its share of unruly and/or intoxicated patrons. And, as it should, it calls the police when evicting them from the premises.

So, Oxford Police Department is called. And when it needs backup, officers from surrounding agencies, including Norway, Paris, Mechanic Falls, Poland and the Shriff's Office, respond.

This is nothing new. These departments always back each other up. They have agreements. But even if they didn't they would most likely do so anyway ... it's the right thing to do.

The Town of Oxford is reaping the benefits of having a casino. So far, it has received approximately $25,000 ... a week.

The Sheriff's Office is also getting a small weekly percentage for its "mutual aid."

Paris and Norway get nothing.

Yet, if one listens to the calls, it seems as though they get dispatched more frequently than the deputies.

Sunday River called for police 20 times from November 1, 2011 to date ( an eight-month period). Oxford Casino has called 21 times for police since June 1 (a one-month period).

Oxford had assistance seven times from four different agencies on those 21 calls, according to law enforcement numbers:

Poland (Androscoggin Sheriff's Office) – 1

Norway – 3

Paris – 2

Mechanic Falls – 1

With law enforcement already struggling to provide service in its own jurisdiction, being called to another strains coverage and response time. The taxpayers of Norway, Paris and surrounding towns are helping to pay for the goose, yet only Oxford gets to collect the golden eggs.

We would hope, out of fairness, respect and appreciation, the Town of Oxford would give a percentage of the percentage it receives (maybe 1 percent per assisted call?) to the other agencies for their assistance with calls to the casino.

It's the right thing to do.