Untitled - Town of Windham

POLICE DEPARTMENTCOMMUNICATIONS: The subject of communications, specifically two-way radio communications,remains the backbone of the community’s safety and security. As such, it remains an ongoing focus ofmaintenance and enhancements as old equipment requires replacement and new equipment andtechnologies become available. During the course of the year the following communications items wereaddressed:• The process for licensing our frequency to be narrow band compliant was completed, therebybringing us into compliance with a 2013 FCC mandate.• As referenced in the 2011 report, the department completed the installation of a repeater systemto enhance the quality and range of two-way radio communications in town. The cost of thesystem was absorbed by fees collected during police details and, therefore, was not a direct costto the local taxpayers.• Working with the NH Department of Safety, Homeland Security Grants Committee, and thetown’s police detail account, the department was able to acquire twenty-one (21) portable radiosworth a total value of $58,000 at no cost to the local taxpayer. The new, state-of-the-art radiosreplace 17-year old radios that were no longer supported by the manufacturer for repairs andparts.TRAINING: As stated in previous reports, one of the most important, yet most overlooked, functionswithin the department is training. It’s critical that every officer and dispatcher not only maintain theircurrent proficiencies, but acquire new and relevant skills covering a variety of tasks emerging trends.This year, department personnel acquired over 1,000-hours of training.MISCELLANEOUS: In April, School Resource Officer Jessica Flynn coordinated the first ever “MockAccident” at Windham High School. Partnering with the Windham Fire Department, WHS Staff andHonor Society students, Bauchman’s Towing, Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home and First Student BusCompany, students were shown the hazards and consequences of drinking and driving. The programreceived high praise and has been asked to be repeated.In August, the Police Department (along with the Windham Fire Department, SAU and High Schoolstaff), working under the coordination of the United States Secret Service, planned for and oversaw avisit by President Barack Obama at Windham High School. Captain Michael Caron coordinated theefforts and resources of the Police Department and has received accolades from the Secret Service for hisleadership.In October, Windham Police Officers Shane Mirisola and Christopher Van Hirtum assisted the PelhamPolice Department with a vehicle pursuit on Lowell Road. After the vehicle they were chasing went offthe road, the officers exited their vehicles (including the Pelham officer) and were confronted with anattempt by the driver to run them over as he tried to re-enter the roadway. Officers fired their weaponsand were able to take the driver into custody with non life-threatening injuries after the vehicle crashedinto one of the marked police vehicles. After an investigation by the NH Attorney General’s Office, theofficers were cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to full duty shortly after the incident. The operatorof the vehicle was charged with a multitude of offenses and is awaiting trial.Twice this year the department responded to armed home invasions. Both were connected to illegal drugactivity. In the first incident (Glance Road) the suspects fled the residence upon police arrival.Subsequent to a short pursuit and intensive ground search, one suspect was taken into custody and isawaiting trial. The investigation remains ongoing with a second suspect potentially identified. In thesecond incident (Bear Hill Road) multiple armed suspects entered a residence which was being used tocultivate marijuana. The suspects fled prior to police arrival and have yet to be identified. The resident ofthe home and other associates were arrested for manufacturing and distribution of the drug.2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 77 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH