Walking the Beat: Senior Walk Connects Maine Police, Residents

A South Portland Police Department initiative is taking community policing to the sidewalks with a weekly senior walking program designed to build relationships between officers and residents.
May 5, 2026

What to know

  • The South Portland Police Department is using a weekly group walk to strengthen connections with older residents and encourage informal engagement outside traditional patrols.
  • The department launched its “Senior Walk” program last month, with plans to continue its initial 10 outings.
  • Police say the walks have helped foster relationships, promote wellness and bring neighbors and former classmates together in a relaxed, community‑focused setting.

A Maine police department has put a new spin on walking the beat in order to connect with the community it serves.

Last month, the South Portland Police Department began a weekly "Senior Walk" program, WCSH-TV reports. The initial plan was to host 10 walks at different locations, but just over halfway through the program, the department has plans to keep it going, Det. Caleb Gray told the news outlet.

The initiative began after the department heard about other agencies doing it,  Gray said. Each walk starts at 9 a.m. Mondays and lasts for an hour.

Gray says it has become a great opportunity for officers to get to know residents, as well as colleagues.

"For these walks, it's really great as far as getting out, fresh air, exercise, people coming together," he said. "We have people reuniting with old friends, classmates, neighbors, and we're also making it educational, too."

About the Author

Joe Vince
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Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.
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