BANGOR, Maine — Whether it's a speeding ticket or putting somebody in handcuffs, police officers are used to giving the bad news.
But this summer, Officer Elizabeth Ashe with Bangor police is giving the community a way to connect with the department and the city's many local businesses through the "Summer Sleuth Series."
"Any time we have the opportunity to have fun interactions with the public, we always try to seize those opportunities," Ashe said.
From now until mid-August, the Bangor Police Department will post two clues on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts every week, each relating to one of 12 local businesses.
"We want to make sure the clues are accessible to all sorts of people, from seasoned sleuths at home who read crime novels every night to just an eight-year-old on summer break," Ashe explained.
While accessible, the clues take some work. Some require solving a crossword puzzle while others you'll have to decipher a fake mugshot.
Once solved, the clue will lead sleuths to a local business where they'll also be met with a goodie bag filled with Bangor police swag.
"It was great to have a few extra folks in for something like that as well as just a general drive to get people downtown," co-owner of The Rock and Art Shop, Annette Sohns Dodd, said.
Other places partnering with Bangor police for the series, like the Greater Bangor Habitat for Humanity ReStore, say it's only strengthened their relationship with the police and the community.
"The network we have within the community is important, it helps support us and everybody else in the community and shows what wonderful things we have in downtown Bangor," Greater Bangor Habitat for Humanity ReStore Community Engagement Coordinator Eric Jolliff said.
Officer Ashe said it's been great to see people interacting through the series.
"Seeing people on the Facebook page say, 'Hey, I can't quite understand what six down on the crossword is,' just neighbors helping neighbors and just seeing the lively interaction is awesome," Ashe said.
But ultimately, she hopes it gives people a way to go and see the city.
"See how much we have to offer, get into our small businesses, enjoy our waterfront, really see the wonderful environment Bangor has to offer," Officer Ashe said.