MANCHESTER, NH – The Manchester Police Commission held its monthly meeting on January 8, covering department staffing updates, crime investigations, technology upgrades, and upcoming budget discussions. You can read the full minutes posted at the end of this story. The next Police Commission meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2025, at 9 a.m.
Staffing & Recruitment Challenges
The department remains 21 officers short of its authorized complement of 268, though recruitment efforts are ongoing. Eight recruits are currently enrolled in the 199th state academy class, with additional hiring exams scheduled for later this month. In 2024, the department successfully recruited 29 officers, an increase from previous years. A collaboration with SNHU business and marketing students aims to enhance recruitment strategies.
The Patrol Division reported 7,252 calls for service in December, split almost evenly between reactive (3,503) and proactive (3,749) responses. Several officers remain on various leave statuses, including injuries, family leave, and military service. Two newly trained officers completed their field training and are now on solo patrol, with additional officers expected to finish their training by February.
Reassignments: Lieutenant Macken is the new 4-12 shift commander. Sergeant Donovan is assigned to
the midnight shift as a street supervisor. Sergeant Megowen was reassigned to the Community Affairs
Division and Lieutenant Cataldo was reassigned to the Special Enforcement Division.
- Officer Gould, who left the agency less than a year ago, has been rehired as a police officer.
- Trainee Cole Capano resigned during the FTO phase of training.
The Dispatch Unit is currently fully staffed with 16 dispatchers, but only four have more than one year of experience, posing challenges due to inexperience. Chief Marr expressed a desire to expand the unit by 4-5 additional positions.
Crime & Investigations
- Major Drug Raid: The Special Investigations Unit executed a warrant at 340 Maplehurst, arresting a high-level drug dealer and recovering firearms, including an AR-15, along with large sums of cash. This operation targeted a location that had been a significant source of illicit drug activity and quality-of-life complaints.
- High-Speed Crash Investigation: The Traffic Unit is investigating a crash from November 22 at Maple and Silver Streets where vehicles were reportedly traveling over 70 mph. One driver has been charged with negligent homicide, reckless conduct, and second-degree assault, while charges are pending for the second driver, a juvenile.
- Anti-Crime Efforts: The Anti-Crime Unit made several arrests, leading to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and illegal drugs. Officers also supported a warrant service at Village Circle Way, leading to the arrest of a wanted suspect.
- Personnel Changes: Detective Pittman was named November’s Officer of the Month for outstanding investigative work. Meanwhile, veteran Evidence Technician Dave Dydo is set to retire after 44 years of service, prompting an extensive audit of evidence storage before his departure.
Technology & Equipment Upgrades
- The department has introduced Taser 10, which offers significant improvements over the older models. Unlike the previous Taser 7, which had only two darts per shot, the new model has 10 independently fired darts with greater velocity and accuracy. A key feature is that whenever the Taser is activated, it automatically triggers the officer’s body camera.
- Axon’s Evidence.com is now in use, streamlining the management and storage of body-camera footage and other digital evidence.
- The Mobile Field Force is fully equipped and ready for deployment, while a new command vehicle, smaller than the Crime Scene van, is now in service for rapid response situations.
Community & Safety Initiatives
- Public Safety Barricades designed in collaboration with the Manchester Fire Department and the Department of Homeland Security are currently in production and expected to arrive by late February.
- Overdose Reduction: The Mayor announced a 23% decline in overdoses and a 21% drop in overdose fatalities, a positive trend in the city’s ongoing battle against substance abuse.
- Public Satisfaction: The Power Engage system, which follows up with residents who interact with police services, reported a 93.9% satisfaction rate, highlighting strong community engagement and positive interactions with law enforcement.
Upcoming Budget Talks
Chief Marr noted that it is budget season, and he will meet with the mayor next week to discuss funding priorities. Potential budget items may include additional dispatchers and civilian positions to help improve department efficiency.
This article includes information generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence, which has been reviewed and verified by a human editor.