NASHUA, N.H. (AP) - The police department in Nashua, New Hampshire, says it’s currently short 18 officers, and money that would be available to hire additional employees is going to overtime costs.
The Telegraph of Nashua reports Police Chief Michael Carignan believes the department has to take a different approach to recruiting, it must be done without compromising standards of excellence.
“The people of Nashua deserve nothing less, so that makes it tougher, too,” he said.
However, it could take nearly a year from the time a potential new hire takes initial tests until he or she is allowed to go on patrol.
Carignan said the department has had to cut back on an officer in the lobby available to take reports as people enter, like a stolen wallet. Another position cut is a patrol officer who drives up and down Main Street.
Another officer has been removed from the downtown area, given the that fewer people are out in the cold weather. And cuts have been made in internal programs, such as in evidence management.
“We will not be filling a detective position until at least next fiscal year because of the management of the money,” Carignan added.
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