MEXICO – Now that the Dixfield, Mexico and Rumford police departments have funding to pay for a domestic violence investigator, they just need to find a way to get him or her around.

At Wednesday night’s selectmen’s meeting, the board considered letting the investigator use the Mexico police chief’s unmarked cruiser.

But they tabled the matter to get more information. They will likely make a decision on the issue at their next regular board meeting, Town Manager John Madigan said.

The domestic violence position, which will be filled Dec. 17, is the result of a one-year $22,872 grant from the federal STOP Violence Against Women Act. The full-time officer will investigate domestic violence and sexual assault crimes as well as do surprise visits to homes where domestic violence has occurred to ensure that the perpetrator is not around, Rumford police Chief Stacy Carter said.

Because the investigator might need to go out on night calls, he will need a car at his disposal most of the time, Carter said.

Madigan said selectmen decided to wait before making a decision to learn why and how often the investigator would need a car.

But Carter said it is hard to know at the moment.

“That is strictly going to be based on calls for service and when he needs to be out to do investigations,” Carter said. “Some will be during the day and some during the night.”

Because the police departments did not receive the full amount it had sought – more than $56,000 – the three towns have each chipped in an additional $2,800. They will also need to add some extra services, like the vehicle.

“Rumford might supply the gas, Dixfield might do something,” Madigan said. “So it is a matter of making the mix. So if we provide the car, Rumford might provide the equipment.”

The details have not yet been hashed out.

Mexico has three police cruisers, included the chief’s car. He would use another vehicle, Carter said.

“Even without a car, we’ll fill the position, and make arrangements somehow for transportation,” Carter said.

According to a recent news release from Gov. John Baldacci’s office, 5,459 cases of domestic assault were reported to Maine police in 2005, including 322 cases of rape and sexual assault. Domestic violence accounts for more than 50 percent of Maine homicides.