RUMFORD – All calls to the Rumford Police Department are now being directed to an Oxford County dispatching service while the building is closed indefinitely during nighttime hours.

The decision was made this month to eliminate two positions to save money and thereby limit local dispatch services.

Chief Timothy Bourassa said all calls to the station number, 364-4551, will go instead to the Oxford County Regional Communications Center in Paris.

Additionally, the police station is now to be locked and closed to the public for 12 hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Bourassa said anyone calling the station number should press 1 for direct contact with a dispatcher. Callers with an emergency should continue to dial 911, and a regional dispatcher will answer immediately.

The Rumford station is now open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with civilian dispatchers staffing the station.