Town Report 2011
2011, as we all are well aware has continued to be a struggle for many due to the economy and unfortunately when tough times come upon society; police activity is directly affected by an increase in incidents, offenses and arrests. Serious crimes to include thefts, burglaries, assaults, alcohol and drug offenses have increased.
Over the course of this past year crime has risen dramatically everywhere, we see this in our newspapers and reported on television, and Sandown is no exception. Unfortunately, more times than not, these crimes are a direct connection to the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. Burglaries, thefts, domestics are on the rise. Even in our small towns we need to be diligent in our personal awareness to keep our homes, ourselves and our families safe.
Because these issues are now a sad epidemic, law enforcement, educators, legislators, youth actions groups, coalitions and community members must work together to stop this growing problem. In February Sandown Police installed a permanent Prescription Drug “Drop Box” to assist in getting prescription drugs out of our medicine cabinets and away from young people. Sandown is the second town in the State of New Hampshire to do so, Seabrook Police Department being the first.
Sgt. Aurie Roy who is our department’s D.A.R.E. Officer and a member of the So. Rockingham Coalition for Healthy Youth and Allies in Substance Abuse Prevention brought the Drop Box idea to my attention and I also joined as a member of these Coalitions and became pro-active, making the “Drop Box” a reality. We received recognition from Governor Lynch during a Drug Summit in Concord in October. We have collected over 25,000.00 pills since February. We also, together with the Timberlane Students made a Public Service Announcement which has been distributed state wide. Again, this is another way Sandown Police is committed to community oriented involvement and establishing a positive relationship between law enforcement and town residents.
We are pleased to announce that the Sandown Explorer Post received the “2011 Explorer Post of the Year” by the Daniel Webster Council with Sgt. Scott Wood receiving, for the second year, the Exceptional Explorer Leadership Award and Officer William Pica received the “Rookie Advisor” Award from the Daniel Webster Council. The Explorers held their annual fundraisers, which were also successful. The Explorer Program is a division of the Boy Scouts and gives youth between the ages of 14 and 21 interested in law enforcement the opportunity to learn firsthand.
The annual softball game between Police Officers and Firemen was held again this year during Old Home Day weekend. The Police Department kept the title, again, both departments have a great time every year.
As mentioned, the demands of society regarding the trials and tribulations of others are evident every day with more serious situations confronting my officers. I want them to know that our success is because we work as a team and I commend them for their fortitude, professionalism and determination. Being a law enforcement officer is not an easy job, having to risk danger, injury and making split second decisions to keep others from harm. I want to continue to afford the residents of Sandown 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 Gordon
Chief of Police