2008 Town Report

    During this past year many areas have experienced increased crime, many being very serious due to the continued affects of a challenged economy, although is it on the mend but slowly. Burglaries, thefts, domestics and more serious crimes have increased not only in Sandown but statewide. Unfortunately, many of these crimes have been connected not only to the strained economy but a direct result of the epidemic of drug abuse.

    This department is proactive in educating our community regarding these issues by holding different events, one of which was a forum held on March 3rd,2010 titled "Our Kids, Our Town, How Safe are they. The Sandown Police Department in partnership with the Southern Rockingham County Coalition for Healthy Youth presented this community forum to discuss both legal and health consequences of alcohol and drug use by our teens. Guests on the to panel answer questions and concerns were; Rockingham County Attorney Jim Reams, Prosecutor Attorney Kevin Coyle, Tim Lena a Student Assistance Counselor, Timberlane High School, Rich Cram of Family Mediation and Juvenile Services, Dr. Davies, Center for Life Management, Sgt. Aurie Roy and myself. We want to extend a special thank you to Pam Santa Fe, Program Manager, Southern Rockingham Coalition, for all her assistance, support and hard work.

    The Sandown Police Explorers had another productive year between their training, meetings, and fund raisers. The Tractor Pull fundraiser was one of their events which were very successful, the weather was perfect and the Explorers worked very hard. In December a pot roast dinner was held. Molly Peake who has been an Explorer for several years received the Silver E Award, the highest award given to a Cadet by the Explorer Program. Officer William Pica received the "Rookie Advisor" Award and Sergeant Scott Wood, our dedicated Explorer Advisor, received the "Exceptional Leadership" Award from the Explorers.

    On September 25, 20l0 we participated in the National D.E.A. Drug Take Back which was very successful. The purpose of the "Take Back" initiative was to afford residents the opportunity to bring any medicine, prescription or over the counter, to the police station for collection by a law enforcement officer to then be destroyed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (D.E.A.). This collection was prompted by the D.E.A.'s protection of Public Health because prescription drugs containing controlled substances are being misused and abused at alarming rates. People tend to keep hold of these drugs (medicines) because they are not sure of how to properly dispose of them, therefore, making them available to teens. Sgt.Roy is a member of the Allies in Substance Abuse Task Force who devise ideas, awareness in educating the community, initiate and support programs along with grant funding to address drug and alcohol issues with our youth. I personally participated in the making of an Educational Video for "Sticker Shock" in dealing with alcohol abuse amongst our young people. We are in the process of installing a permanent drug drop box at our Station to accommodate residents.

    On October 21,2010 we hosted a presentation and discussion about child safety "Keeping Kids and Teens Safe in the Real World". This presentation included helpful information on parent and child communication, prevention of crimes against children and what to do if a child becomes missing. We have the "Locator" for Missing and Exploited Children software installed in our computers. This software reports lost or missing persons, and endangered runaways to the National Center for Missing and Exploited children to then be reported to the FBI's National Crime Information Center for fast national distribution. This program also allows us to print poster pictures of the victim.

    Animal Control Officer, Claire Kontos's responsibilities and calls for service have continued to increase year after year, this year being the highest. She is dedicated to every call day or night. Calls she deals with range from domestic and or wild animals. sick and deceased animals. Claire also investigates incidents of animal hoarding, neglect, cruelty and illegal breading. Claire is very talented and knowledgeable in her work.

    The annual softball game between Police Officers and Firemen was held again this year during Old Home Day weekend. Police Department kept the title, both departments have a great time every year. I want to thank all my officers for their hard work, professionalism and determination. I hold a position that requires me to fair but to also provide the community a feeling of safety and security in their homes. All of the members of’ this department dedicate themselves every day to maintain this and hold the level of professionalism that makes me very proud.

Joseph A. Gordon
Chief Of Police