Farmington New Hampshire Police Department

 2011 was a year of challenges and accomplishments. While the department was able to prevent and solve crimes, just like every household in the community, the economy placed a strain on the department’s resources. Offenses increased by 11% in 2011. Officers made 437 arrests, 28 of which were for DWI, a 50% decrease over 2010. Other offenses increased including a 31% in burglaries (after a 42% increase in 2010) and an 8% increase in thefts from vehicles (after a 177% increase in 2010). Overall crimes against persons increased 11% while property crimes increased 8%. The department investigated 131 accidents, an increase of 30% from 2010.

With dramatic increases for the last 2 years in burglaries and thefts, the department is asking members of the community and homeowners to work with us to reduce this problem, which is not isolated to Farmington. Residents need to insure that their vehicles and homes are locked and their valuables are safely stored out of sight. Additionally, insuring that residents have photos of valuables and serial numbers of electronic items assist the department tremendously in identifying the owners if property is recovered. Lastly, residents should report any type of suspicious activity (vehicles or people) immediately to the department. In an age where every cellular phone has a camera, if it is safe to do so, take a picture of any suspicious vehicles or people. This also goes a long way in helping us more quickly find and identify suspects. In an effort to make this convenient, pictures can even be e-mailed to the department.

The loss of the department’s School Resource Officer position in June has had a tremendous impact upon the department. Patrol officers have responded to calls for service at the school regularly taking time away from patrol, working to prevent crimes like daytime burglaries, and investigating crimes in the community. Our participation in pro-active programming in the schools, like DARE and Youth to Youth, has ceased. Additionally, comparing the first 4 months of the 2010 to 2011 school year, violent acts occurring in the schools and reported to the department increased by 20%.

As we have always sought to do, the department found ways to obtain items without having to put the burden upon the taxpayer. The department was able to obtain furniture and property from government surplus thereby allowing us to refurnish parts of the department, improve equipment and put down new carpeting in most areas of the building. The valuable program has saved the department, the Town, but most importantly the taxpayers, tens of the thousands of dollars. We will continue to maximize the benefits of the program in 2012.

Two officers and four civilians received the department highest award, the Medal of Valor, for a lifesaving act. Sgt. Scott Ferguson and Patrol Officer Colin Wheeler received this award for saving the life of a driver whose truck caught on fire after being involved in an accident. This is the second year in a row that officers have been honored for heroic acts that saved someone’s life. We are very fortunate to have officers of this caliber working for the department.

As I discussed in previous Annual Reports, the department continues to move forward with its plan for a new facility because the current department suffers from a number of inadequacies. The department lacks sufficient workspace, interview space and storage space; the heating system is uneven leaving some rooms hot while others are cold; and there is no heat in the lobby. Last year, $5,000.00 was appropriated for the current facility, which only maintained the building in its current condition but did not provide for any improvements. These yearly appropriations are only a band-aid and will not address the underlying issues that require a new facility for the department. We continue to seek alternate funding sources like grants and low interest loans complete this much needed project.

As we look forward to 2012, we are seeking to purchase additional Tasers for patrol officers thereby continuing to increase the officer’s safety and reduce injuries. We are also revamping policies and procedures to insure the department complies with current standards thereby reducing civil liability for the community.

As always, I encourage members of the community to provide feedback about the performance of the department and its officers. This is your police department and we want to provide the best service possible. In addition, you are the eyes and ears for the department. If you have information about a crime and wish to remain anonymous, call the Crimeline at 755-9797. 

Respectfully Submitted,

Scott R. Roberge

Chief of Police