Development News for Rochester, New Hampshire

Commission Accepts Retirements, Reviews Department Reports, and Discusses Staffing and Budgetary Matters

The retirement of Sergeant Corey Cockamel, who served for 25 years, was accepted by the commission. Additionally, the resignation of Officer Nicholas Alexander was accepted. The monthly patrol report indicated consistent numbers in reports generated, arrests, and NIBRES reports, with no concerning trends. While some percentages for specific crimes like burglaries showed increases, the total numbers were minor, indicating a rise from one to two burglaries. Proactivity, such as traffic stops, has decreased due to reduced staffing. The support monthly report noted two detective call-outs, which is down from the previous year but consistent with typical numbers. The dispatch unit remains short-staffed by one dispatcher. The administrative monthly report showed OM lines on track for the year, with an anticipated surplus. The FY27 budget is in progress. A notable purchase was two handheld LIDAR units for speed detection, with the state covering 75% of the cost through a speed grant. Training highlights included officers attending specialized classes in cryptocurrency investigations, vehicle processing, interview interrogations, and SWAT negotiation. Two newly promoted sergeants attended the FBI Lead Supervisor Leadership Institute. Several officers are progressing through field training, and new hires have commenced Phase One. Annual rifle and shotgun training is ongoing. The department currently operates with 41 of 65 allotted officers, at 63% capacity, with recruitment efforts ongoing to fill the remaining positions. Correspondence included a commendation for Officer Stevens for professionalism and empathy. The department is awaiting the passage of the city council's budget to proceed with CIP projects and has been granted funding for two additional officers for FY27, which will be covered by existing salary and benefits surplus from five officers deployed for military service. This funding will lock the city into covering the full cost in FY28. The commission discussed potentially foregoing a scheduled July meeting, opting for a special meeting if necessary due to the proximity to the 4th of July and to allow staff leave time. The chief provided an update on the city council's budget passage and the subsequent work on CIP projects. The discussion also touched upon the possibility of holding 'run meetings' or community engagement events, with the department willing to participate if invited by the city council members who have been organizing such events in Ward 4. The commission also moved to accept union and non-union merit increases and approved a 2% extraordinary service award for an individual to be named in the minutes.