Hooksett Police Commission Flashback

The problems with the Hooksett New Hampshire Police Department have served as media fodder for years.  A combative chief, a pointless middle management police commission unwilling to act, all culminating in a report that substantiates something I pointed out over two and one-half years ago.

Given the history the commissions willingness to disregard this new complaint are troubling.  There is clearly a pattern developing with this Police Chief.  But the commissions seems to be operating from the standard entrenched bureaucracy position--ignore it, hide it, dismiss it on technicalities, obfuscate, and hope it goes away.  It's not so much that the man is guilty or innocent, its that the commission can't be bothered, and it's always easier to try and hide problems than confront them.

Despite 10 or more complaints about Chief Stephen Agrafiotis back in 2009 the commission lacked the bureaucratic stones to act.  This precedent continued while things got worse, leading up to an effort to eliminate the commission, annual budget battles over costs and legal fees generated by the actions of the Police Department, a series of lawsuits, and the administrative leave of the Chief.

Today's press reveals some details of a department audit that revealed poor communication, low officer and department morale, and problems with community outreach.  These are all the hallmarks of a chief who created a little fiefdom and proceeded to intimidate everyone into letting him do whatever he wanted.

At present, the town seems on the road to recovery.  The independent audit gives them a way to make the changes they need to to get past this chapter in the towns history.  But will they do it?

cross posted: Hooksett Police Commission Flashback

Time To Take Control In Hooksett

I hinted at this Thursday Morning;  Hooksett has got issues with its Police Chief.  Well this morning there's more news.  [link] The chief is costing the town a fortune in Legal fees.  Under his stewardship the town has gone through 35 police officers.  He has personally been the object of reprimand, and is at the center of the the turnover issues, and the legal fees which attend them.

People of Hooksett.  He is your problem.  If your selectman are unable or unwilling to replace him you have recourse.

Elect your won Police chief. 

Section 41:47

    41:47 Election. – Any town at any annual meeting, under an article in the warrant for said meeting, may vote to elect by ballot one or more permanent constables or police chiefs or other police officers for full-time duty in said town and may rescind such action in like manner. No election of such permanent constable or police chief or police officer shall be held until the next succeeding annual meeting after the vote of the town. Any police chief or police officer or constable elected at an annual meeting may serve a one-year, 2-year, or 3-year term, as determined by the town at such annual meeting.

Source.1945, 147:1. RSA 41:47. 1995, 11:2, eff. June 11, 1995.

I think it's time for the people to step up and take control of their local government before this chief starts costing them more than turnover and money.  And while you're at it, dump that useless police commission as well.