Cape Elizabeth Police Department

05/29/2026

***SENIOR TRANSITION PROJECT 2026***

The Senior Transition Project (STP) began on Monday, May 18th and continued through today. The STP is a longstanding tradition at Cape Elizabeth High School where graduating seniors choose a two week internship in a career field they have interest in.

This year, we hosted six Cape Elizabeth High School Seniors for their Senior Transition Project. Please welcome Luke, Jonathan, Addy, Chloe, Camryn, and Lily!

Day 1 began bright and early with the students completing the Maine Criminal Justice Academy’s physical fitness test. This test is given to all Maine law enforcement officers before beginning the academy and consists of timed pushups, sit-ups, and a mile and a half run.

The seniors then learned defensive tactics from Chief Fenton. Although this lesson just skimmed the surface of this important topic, the students learned about striking, kicks, and officer positioning. The Seniors were instructed about Maine’s use of force statute for both deadly and non deadly force and when using force is appropriate.

On Tuesday, we continued the use of force topic with a discussion around non-deadly force vs deadly force in Maine law as well as the Graham V. Connor case. The students also learned about crime scenes and how they are investigated by law enforcement. The students were introduced to the different types of evidence and how that evidence may be important in a criminal case. We then went over several case studies and spoke about the evidence that was present in those cases.

The students visited the United States Coast Guard Station in South Portland and were lucky enough to get to go out in several of their vessels. We patrolled the harbor and went out to Portland Headlight. During the trip, the kids learned about the various responsibilities and tasks the U.S. Coast Guard undertakes on a daily basis.

The students had an opportunity to test their driving skills through the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. This course is similar to one completed by cadets at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. After completing three separate cone courses, we are proud to announce that Luke was awarded “Best Driver!”

This Tuesday, the group learned about high risk traffic stops before completing multiple scenarios of their own. High risk traffic stops are law enforcement procedures used when officers believe a vehicle’s occupants pose a serious threat. These stops prioritize both officer safety and public safety.

On Wednesday, the group participated in training with the Southern Maine Regional SWAT Team in South Portland. The seniors transitioned into acting roles to help make the training more valuable and realistic.

The seniors also learned more about use of force and some of the less lethal/non-lethal options CEPD has such as Pepperball and OC Spray. The seniors then learned about patrol tactics from our very own, Sgt. Eric Vanasse. These tactics are used mainly in close quarters and are intended to keep law enforcement as safe as possible.

Today, the seniors wrapped up the program by participating in a series of fast-paced, realistic scenarios that challenged them to make quick use-of-force decisions similar to those faced by law enforcement officers in the field. Whenever force was used, students were required to justify their actions by explaining what they did, why they chose that response, and how their decisions complied with Maine’s laws governing the use of physical force by law enforcement.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, selflessness, and dedication secured the freedoms we cherish every day. Today, we remember their legacy with gratitude and respect.

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

***MAINE E-BIKE LAWS***

With spring officially here, the familiar sights of bicycles are returning to the streets of Cape Elizabeth. But this year, you may notice something new: the increasing number of electric
bicycles, or e-bikes.

E-bikes are a wonderful development, offering residents of all ages a fun and efficient way to explore our beautiful town and commute with ease. However, they are not standard bicycles. They have motors, and that means they come with specific regulations to ensure the safety of the rider and the public.

To ensure everyone starts the season right, the Cape Elizabeth Police Department is happy to introduce “A Guide to Maine E-Bike Laws (Title 29-A)” specifically designed for kids and parents.

This new guide is more than just rules; it is an essential safety blueprint to keep Cape Elizabeth’s families out of harm’s way and legal on the road.

Maine’s e-bike laws divide e-bikes into three specific classes, and it is vital for parents to understand these distinctions before purchasing a bike or allowing their child to ride:

Class 1 e-bikes are pedal-assist only, meaning the motor only activates when you pedal, and the assist cuts off at 20 mph. These are allowed on most multi-use paths and trails, though you must always check local signage before you ride.

Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle-assist, meaning the motor can propel the bike without pedaling, up to 20 mph. These bikes have much more limited path access.

Class 3 e-bikes are faster, pedal-assist up to 28 mph, and include a speedometer. These are strictly for road use and are not allowed on paths unless explicitly authorized.

Maine law prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes.

Young riders may only operate Class 1 e-bikes. As a parent, you are legally responsible for your child’s compliance with these rules.

Furthermore, we cannot emphasize the importance of helmets enough. Maine law mandates that all e-bike operators and passengers under 16 must wear a securely fastened helmet.

E-bikes are fantastic vehicles, but they are still vehicles. Riders must obey all traffic signals, ride with traffic, and yield to pedestrians. Your speed on shared-use paths should always be managed responsibly.

We invite all Cape Elizabeth residents to review the full safety guide. It is available on the Cape Elizabeth Police Department website at capeelizabeth.gov, or you can pick up a physical copy at
our station.

If you have any questions, please reach out. Our department is here to support you at 207-767-3323. We wish you a safe and enjoyable riding season in Cape Elizabeth.

05/18/2026

Memorial Day in Cape Elizabeth will be observed with a parade at 9 AM on Monday, May 25th, followed by a ceremony at the Village Green, and an Open House at the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department.

This is an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance of those who have died serving our nation. The 2026 Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal is Robert G. Orff, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

Veterans and active-duty personnel are invited to march. We encourage anyone who has a family member on active duty or in the Reserves/National Guard to notify Jim Huebener prior to the parade at [email protected] so they can be recognized. Groups interested in marching should also contact Jim Huebener.

The event will be canceled only in the event of heavy rain. The cancellation will be announced on the Cape Elizabeth town website by 7:00 AM on the day of the parade. No alternate location has been set.

For information on the parade route, please visit the Town of Cape Elizabeth website: www.capeelizabeth.gov

05/12/2026

The members of the Cape Elizabeth Police Department extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow game wardens mourning the tragic loss of Game Warden Pilot Joshua Tibbetts today. We stand beside our brothers and sisters in law enforcement during this difficult time and honor the dedication and sacrifice made in service to protecting others.

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is heartbroken to share that Game Warden Pilot Joshua Tibbetts died this morning in a plane crash in Avon, ME.

Game Warden Pilot Tibbetts served the people of Maine as a Maine Game Warden for 18 years, including the last three years as a pilot for Maine Warden Service. In that role, his specialized aviation work supported search and rescue, law enforcement, fisheries and wildlife conservation, and public safety across the state.

This is an incredibly difficult loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Maine Warden Service. We ask the public to keep his loved ones, his fellow Game Wardens, and all those affected by this tragedy in their thoughts in the days ahead.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. The Department will cooperate fully with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

We are grateful for the emergency personnel who responded to the scene and for the support already being shown to the Maine Warden Service family.

05/03/2026

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month?

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Throughout May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) joins a nationwide effort to raise awareness, fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.

Here in Maine, NAMI offers a wide range of programs and resources for those who may be struggling. We’ve included helpful links below for anyone looking to learn more or find support.
If you’re not sure where to turn, the Cape Elizabeth Police Department is always here for you. Many of our officers are trained in crisis intervention and are available to listen, connect you with resources, help you find a mental health advocate, or simply have a conversation when you need it most.

We also work closely with mental health partners from the South Portland Police Department, Portland Police Department, and Opportunity Alliance to ensure you have access to the care and support you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Maine Crisis Line: 988- The Maine Crisis Hotline helps to stabilize individuals and families while assisting in crisis resolution and action planning. If you are concerned about yourself or about somebody else, call the 24-hour crisis hotline and speak with a trained crisis clinician who can connect you to the closest crisis center. For more information visit, https://www.sweetser.org/.../services.../crisis-services/

Opportunity Alliance- 211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services. 211 Maine is based in Maine and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Specialists are trained and friendly; they know we all need help sometimes. Connect with Maine specialists at 211 Maine via phone, text, or email, it's free and confidential.

NAMI Maine Teen Text Support Line: 207-515-8398- Lots of things are different right now for Maine's teens due to COVID-19, and that can feel overwhelming, but it's possible to talk about your feelings and get support from another young person. NAMI is here for you every day from 12pm - 10pm and can provide adolescents who may need additional mental health support with a safe space to talk with another young person.

Support Groups: NAMI's incredible community of support groups and facilitators have come together to offer regular meetings for both peers and families via Zoom! Participants can call or video into the meeting. For a full list of weekly and monthly meetings and how to join, visit https://www.namimaine.org/page/RemoteSupportGroups

05/02/2026

CEPD Reaches Community in Many Ways

What makes Cape Elizabeth so special is the strong partnership between our residents and our local services—and the Cape Elizabeth Police Department is at the heart of that connection. The CEPD’s commitment to our town goes far beyond traditional law enforcement; they are dedicated community builders.

As we head into the spring and summer, their community outreach is in full swing. We saw this dedication in action during the recent National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on April 25, when officers collected over 190 pounds of medications from 88 vehicles, helping to keep our homes and environment safe. But their community-first approach extends well beyond a single day. This season, you can find the CEPD giving back by:

Camp Chewonki, May 12th-15th. This rite of passage for many CEMS students is a joint effort between the Cape Elizabeth Middle School teachers and CEPD, which offers an outdoor education program. During the weeklong camp, officers engage alongside students in activities such as hiking, team-building, and environmental lessons that support a safe, structured, and positive experience. By participating in the camp setting, officers build meaningful connections with students through shared challenges and outdoor experiences, strengthening relationships between youth and law enforcement.

This year's attending Officers: David Galvan and Kevin Koberger

The Cape Elizabeth Fishing Club begins on May 20th. This partnership with Community Services offers students in grades 4-6 hands-on fishing skills at Fort Williams and Great Pond. The success of this program means spots fill up immediately.

Seat Belt Challenge May 27th & 28th. Officers will host a Seat Belt Challenge at the Middle School, where students will compete and learn about occupant safety.

Movie Nights Date TBD. Whether held during the warmer months at Fort Williams or at the Middle School cafeteria during the winter, movie nights bring community members of all ages together.

05/01/2026

**MDOT Paving Begins May 4th**

MDOT will commence construction and repaving in Cape Elizabeth beginning Monday, May. 4th on Bowery Beach Road and Ocean House Road (Route 77). MDOT has contracted with Shaw Brothers, Inc. to repave sections of Route 77.

Travelers can anticipate minor traffic delays during construction, with one lane alternating. Final paving is anticipated in June, with a final completion by June 30th.

For more information, please contact the Maine Department of Transportation at 207-885-7000.

04/27/2026

Chief Moulton was a true professional and a valued friend to so many at Cape Elizabeth PD. We extend our deepest thoughts and prayers to his family and to our colleagues at the Scarborough Police Department during this difficult time.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Retired Police Chief Robert Moulton’s passing yesterday afternoon due to a longtime illness.

Chief Moulton began his career at the Scarborough Police Department in 1977 as a Reserve Police Officer assigned to foot patrol at Higgins Beach, patrolling Prouts Neck and working details at Scarborough Downs and the Beech Ridge Speedway.

In January 1978, he was hired full-time as a Patrol Officer and attended the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in 1979.

During his career, he further served the department as a Youth Aid Officer working with school programs.

He was promoted to Detective in 1981 where he was involved in the creation of the Southern Maine Task Force, composed of investigators from a variety of southern Maine communities.

In 1984, he was promoted to Patrol Sergeant and then eventually became a Detective Sergeant supervising the Detective Bureau.

In 1986, Chief Moulton was promoted to Lieutenant where he became the second in command to Chief Tom Dixon. In this role, he assisted the Chief in all aspects of management and was instrumental in the development of the first computerized records management system for the department. During his time as Lieutenant, he attended the 150th session of the prestigious FBI National Academy in 1987. He later served as the President of the New England Chapter of FBI National Academy graduates in 1995.

In 1994, he was promoted to Captain where he continued to assist the Chief with management of the department, to include keeping track of departmental training and preparing the annual budget.
In April 1999, he became the fourth Chief of Police in the department’s history.

Chief Moulton was highly involved in various boards and associations in his 22 years as Police Chief to include; Maine Criminal Justice Academy Board of Trustees, Maine Chiefs of Police Association Member, New England Association of Chiefs of Police member, Maine Justice Assistance Council, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) board member, Project Grace board member, Maine School Emergency Preparedness Resource Team board member, Trauma Intervention Programs board member, Family Hope board member and the Health Safety and Security Advisor Team board member.

In 2015, Chief Moulton led the effort to launch Operation Hope, a program that served hundreds of people who struggled with substance use issues. This initiative remained at Scarborough Police Department until 2023, when it transitioned to the Portland Recovery Center.

In 2017, Chief Moulton and retired Fire Chief Mike Thurlow began the effort with town officials to build a new Public Safety Building. After three years of planning and coordination, the new building opened in April 2020.

Chief Moulton served our community for 44 years and was very well respected throughout the State of Maine and beyond for his professionalism, leadership and compassion on many issues affecting policing during his career.

Our thoughts are with Chief Moulton’s family and friends during this difficult time.