NASHUA – The Nashua Police Department recently presented its $38.3 million budget request for fiscal year 2024 to the Budget Review Committee of the Board of Aldermen.

This year’s figure represents an increase of $900,000 over the prior fiscal year.

During the June 8 meeting, Police Chief Kevin Rourke said officer retention has been his greatest obstacle during the past fiscal year. He said that during that time, he saw 12 officers leave the department. From those that left, nine of them resigned after one to 13 years of service.

“That doesn’t happen in the Nashua Police Department,” said Rourke. “That was a big hit last year.”

Rourke said changes in the state’s retirement system have compelled officers to leave as pensions have decreased while the minimum number of years required for retirement has increased. He also said officers have either left for the private sector or for jobs with federal agencies.

As a result, there are currently 181 police officers protecting Nashua. In contrast, Manchester has 260 officers and the Lowell, Mass. Police Department has a force of 250 officers.

In response, Rourke said the department has started a police cadet program at Nashua High School.

“We’ll see that pay off, hopefully in the next couple of years,” he said.

Despite the need for additional officers, Rourke said the department will continue its practice of only hiring qualified candidates.

“We’re not just going to hire anybody because we’re down people,” he said. “We’re not going to lower our standards.”

This year’s budget request also includes a salary line item of $23.5 million representing an increase of $900,000 over last year. Rourke said this would fund the salaries for two first year officers and one sergeant.

In addition, Rourke said the Boston Billiard Club and Casino is planning to move to a new location near exit 1 off Rt. 3 while another casino could be opening at the Pheasant Lane Mall.

“Right now, we have one officer that covers that area,” said Rourke.

During the past fiscal year, the Police Department succeeded in reducing the number of juvenile arrests by 20 percent, developing a Legal Bureau training program and bolstering traffic enforcement. Rourke also said 55 of his officers now have mental health training.

“We are always at the forefront of that,” he said.

The police budget will now move on to a public hearing on June 20.

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