What is MaineMostWanted?

The MaineMostWanted.org and MaineMostWanted.com web site was created in February, 2004 to aid in the identification of subjects by disseminating photographs and basic police information to the public.  We post suveilance videos, artist's sketches and occasionally feature subjects wanted for major criminal activity whose whereabouts are unknown.

Who runs MaineMostWanted?

MaineMostWanted is a service provided by the Maine Community Policing Institute and the Lewiston Police Department.  The purpose is to promote greater cooperation, coordination and the exchanging of resources between the public and Federal, state and local police agencies in the State of Maine.    How should I use the site?

Used properly, MaineMostWanted is a site that you should visit often, but spend very little time on.  If you are visiting for the first time, take a look at the subjects whose photos appear on the front page.   Each page of the site contains fifteen thumbnail photographs of unidentified subjects.  The type of crime the subject has committed is always listed beneath each photograph.  If you pass the cursor over the photo, the date and location of the crime will pop up.

The top row of the front page always contains the most recent cases.  If you go to the web site and the front page has not changed since the last time you checked it, exit the site and go about your business.  All changes are reflected on the front page.

We encourage law enforcement officers to check the front page of the site each day.  In fact, many detectives have made it their home page so they remember to look at it each morning.  We also encourage bank managers and security officers to check the site daily, for information about bank robbers working their area.

How do I find out more about a case I see posted?

To view a larger version of the photograph or to learn more about the crime, simply click on the thumbnail.    At the top of the screen will appear the offense and date.  You will also see the subject's physical description, a summary of the crime, and the name and telephone number of the detective or agent investigating the case.

What if I see a thumbnail of someone I recognize?

Each case posting bears the telephone number of the police officer or federal agent handling the investigation.  You may either call him or her, or you can send an email by clicking on "Report a Tip" in the Toolbox.  All emails go directly to the investigating officer or agent.

I see someone I think I recognize but need a second opinion.

Click on the thumbnail to select a larger photo and more information about the case.  Click on Mail This Case to a Friend and type your friend's email address in the box.

How do I check a specific crime category?

Click on the Type of Crime drop-down and select from the list.  The site will display photos of subjects who have committed the type of crime you have selected.

Does MaineMostWanted accept mug shots of wanted persons?

The site is designed primarily for the identification of unknown subjects; however we also post composites or sketches of suspects in major crime.   On occasion we will post photos of wanted fugitives if the warrants are for major criminal activity and the suspects whereabouts are unknown.


Can I check the site for people fitting a particular description?

Yes.  Using the drop-downs on the left of the screen, select the complexion, height, build and gender you wish and then click Begin Search.  You can also use the Type of Crime choices to define your search even more.  For instance, if you are a police officer who has just arrested a heavy-set white woman for robbing a bank, check the site to see if you can spot her robbing other banks previous to your case.

Can anyone submit a case to the MaineMostWanted web site?

No.  The MaineMostWanted webmaster will accept surveillance photographs of unidentified subjects, composites or mug shots from any Maine or Federal law enforcement agency, and from banking institutions conducting investigations in conjunction with a law enforcement agency.  Cases are screened prior to being posted.

I am a law enforcement officer and want to submit a case.

First, you will need a digital image taken of the subject committing the crime, preferably in either JPEG or JPG format.  Them click on Submit a Case at the top of the page.  Simply follow the instructions.  Include information that may assist in the identification of the subje3ct, such as a scar that may not show up on the photo, but do not include sensitive information about the subject or incident, such as language used in a robbery note, that may jeopardize the investigation or cause the subject to alter his modus operandi.  If the subject was armed, or if the crime was particularly violent, a line urging caution should be included.

I am a law enforcement officer who posted a case on the web site and now the subject has been arrested.  Should I do anything further?

We ask officers who submit cases to promptly notify us if an arrest is made.  Locate your case on the web site and click on it.  In the Law Enforcement Only area, click on Report a capture and fill in the information about the arrest.  If your department does not permit you to report the subject's name, leave that box blank.  Captured or Identified subjects are left on the site and are marked  captured or identified.  We leave the photo  because it allows detectives to link old cases to recently identified subjects.

I am a law enforcement officer who posted a case, and now have additional information that needs to be posted on the web site.

Locate your case on the web site and click on it.  In the Law Enforcement Only area, click on Send an Update.

What does Booking Room Print View on the front page mean?

Law enforcement agencies are encouraged to post photos from the MaineMostWanted web site in their booking rooms and cell blocks, in hopes that someone being booked will recognize someone.  Use the drop-downs to narrow your search and then click on Booking Room Print View.  For instance, make a poster of bank robbers wanted in Southern Maine.

Can I see pages of people who have already been identified?

Yes, click on Captures on the top of any page.