We were able to maintain officers in the department this year due to comparable wages with other departments.  The salary level is important to maintain as training an officer, then loosing the officer to another department due to pay, costs us several thousands of dollars per year.  While Newport remains low on the list of comparable salaries, the averages have been increased over the past couple of years to make us competitive. This has resulted in a stabilization of personnel which is critically important to ensuring adequate and experienced police protection for Newport.

The early fall of 2008 saw the completion of the Kelleyville Construction Project. This Project was two years in duration and brought in approximately $50,000 in net revenue to the Town for the use of “Detail Cruisers”.  The contractor paid an hourly fee for each cruiser and officer.  The cost to operate the detail cruiser was minimal in comparison to the revenue received. The revenue received funded two new replacement cruisers which otherwise would have been on the tax rolls. Another large project producing revenue for the Town is the “Windmill Project” which netted approximately $10,000 in this past year. The same is projected in 2009.

The companies involved in both projects were outstanding to work with and due to cooperation and communications with the Directors of each company, problems were non-existent.

Identity theft and fraud through the use of the internet continue to increase steadily. While the majority of victims are the elderly, all ages are being swindled. This includes youngsters who answer phone calls or e-mail messages and give out just enough personal information about themselves or relatives which allow frauds to take place against unknowing victims. The best way to protect yourself against this crime is to make all members of your household aware of the danger and educate them not to share any personal information over the phone or on-line.

The School Resource Officer position continues to be very active and a much needed position.  There is no shortage of incoming cases at any of the three schools. Certain incidents make it mandatory that the police are notified. Sgt. Hunt, the SRO, has much experience in Patrol, Investigations and School programs. As part of his service to the school system, Sgt. Hunt gives lectures and other classes at all the schools. He has updated the safety plans in all the schools and has done many “Public Safety Announcements” which have received many favorable comments from the Community.

The Bicycle Patrol was utilized during the summer and continues to be a great asset, not only as a public relations tool, but as a stealth patrol of our downtown area. With people out on our streets at all hours of the night, the Bicycle Patrol is able to provide closer security to businesses and homes in the downtown community.

An ongoing problem that is occurring on a regular basis is the rummaging of vehicles for items to steal. Most vehicles which have items stolen are unlocked with valuables left in plain view.  We request that when strange noises or occurrences are observed to please call dispatch so that a cruiser can “spot” the area at a minimum.

Newport received Grants this year for Radar Patrol, DWI enforcement and underage drinking enforcement. These grants pay for an officer to work overtime and dedicate the patrol to speed, DWI or alcohol enforcement.

We also purchased with a portion of a grant an “Infrared” vehicle classifier and counter. This self-contained unit mounts to a tree or pole and classifies vehicles by weight and speed. It was used in a few areas during the fall and will be used in several places next year. It is left in a specific area for at least seven days before being moved. It is not used in the winter as accurate speed readings are altered due to weather (slippery conditions). A grant was also received from NH Fish and Game to patrol the trails for OHRV violations. The grant funds overtime for officers. Since the grant program for trails patrol was started the number of problems and accidents have decreased. The grant does not allow us on the trails in the winter yet.

Both Police and Highway would like to remind citizens that depositing and leaving snow in the road by any means is against State Law and Town Ordinance. While it is legal to plow snow in the road, the snow must be removed and not left in the road. Depositing snow in the road creates a hazard to everyone.

NH Fish and Game to patrol the trails for OHRV violations. The grant funds overtime for officers. Since the grant program for trails patrol was started the number of problems and accidents have decreased. The grant does not allow us on the trails in the winter yet.

A new law passed in 2008 requires a permit for the use or display of a yellow or amber flashing light. The permit is issued by the DMV. A yellow flashing light on a private vehicle can only be on when a private plow is actively plowing snow, not traveling on the road.

Mary Colby who became an icon at the intersection of North Main Street and Belknap Ave. as the crossing guard had to step down for health reasons. Mary faithfully assisted school children across the street for a number of years. No matter what the weather, she would always be at her post. During a brief absence years ago when she did not do crossing, the school and Town received many calls and letters for her return. We wish Mary all the best and will miss her.

Parking enforcement on our Main Street became an issue again during the spring of 2008. Signs were erected on Main Street to better and more clearly inform the public of the two hour limit.  Two hour parking applies to all of Main Street and South Main to the traffic lights. It also applies to West Street and Central Street from 6 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday. There are parking areas adjacent to Main Street for all-day parking.

I would like to thank all departments, agencies, and citizens who help and assist us all year.

David A. Hoyt
Chief of Police