SANDOWN POLICE 2008 REPORT

I think we will all agree that we are not sorry to see 2008 end. Between the struggling economy issues, the tornado that affected so many people, some we know as family and friends and of course the ice storm, better times are needed.

We can report that during 2008 we dealt with an increased amount of Felony level offenses and arrests. One major incident was the Negligent Homicide of a young woman which involved a firearm. Other felony offenses and arrests involved Forgeries, First Degree Assaults, Possession of Narcotics, Possession of a Controlled Narcotic/Substance with Intent to Distribute, Burglaries, and Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated which involved an accident with severe injuries. Our calls for service totals are now well over 10,000, to be exact, 14,486.

The Old Home Day activities went well and were enjoyed by all. The annual softball game between the Sandown Fire Department and the Sandown Police also took place during the Old Home Day weekend. Sandown Fire Department finally WON THE GAME. Congratulations to them, it was  great fun. 2009’s game promises to be very exiting.

The following officers were hired to fill vacancies in the department.  Scott Wood as Patrol Sergeant and Officers’ Adam White, William Pica and Stephen Winter. Unfortunately, over a five year time frame those officers who left moved on to larger departments

In 2007 a Warrant Article for the purpose of constructing a new police facility failed to pass and only by 3 votes, hopefully the warrant will pass this time. The problems we have experienced are many which include poor air quality, lack of space, and officer safety issues.

 This years D.A.R.E. Program concluded at the Sandown Central School with a Graduation ceremony held for the fifth grade students on April 24^th.  This year’s graduation was held at night. Sgt. Roy invited the Dover Youth to Youth Council to be guest speakers. Dover Youth to Youth is an afternoon drug prevention program for students of all ages coordinated by the Dover Police Department’s Community Outreach Bureau. Members are students of all ages from various Dover area schools. They have created radio ads, made presentations for community awareness programs and have been responsible in Legislative Efforts at the Local and State level.

We hosted two separate training classes instructed by the N.H. Marine Patrol for residents and non-residents. The State of New Hampshire has mandated that all operators of any boats must complete the Boaters Education Course to receive a license to operate a boat on fresh or salt water. This license must be obtained prior to any operation of a boat this summer. Before you decide to go boating, remember, operating without a Boat License could quickly ruin a family vacation.

The Sandown Police Department has an on-going Explorer Program. For those of you who are not aware, this Program is a division of the Boy Scouts of America, designed for young men and woman from the ages of 14 to 21 interested in a career in law enforcement.  Towards the end of this year our member count has doubled. One of our Explorers’, Molly Peake was awarded a $1000.00 college scholarship by the Sandown Police Association. Molly will be attending college in the fall, majoring in Criminal Justice. The Explorer Program is not limited to only residents of Sandown, area youth can join us. If interested give Sgt. Wood  a call at 887-1001.

My officers and I want to wish all of you a safe and healthy 2009.

Thank you

Joseph Gordon

Chief of Police