×
×
homepage logo
LOGIN
SUBSCRIBE

New Hampshire’s two U.S. senators visit Nashua police headquarters to ‘underscore the importance of community policing’

By Dean Shalhoup - Senior Staff Reporter | Oct 7, 2020

Telegraph photo by DEAN SHALHOUP U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, announces bi-partisan legislation drafted in support of community policing, a component of law enforcement she called vital to maintaining "strong community relationships" between police "and the public they serve." Also participating in the event were, from left, Nashua PAL Officer Bennett Stusse, chief Michael Carignan, and Hanover police Chief Charlie Dennis, the president of the N.H. Association of Chiefs of Police.

NASHUA – The component of law enforcement called community policing is more important now than ever, given the monumental challenges 2020 has brought to the doorsteps of all Americans, office-holders and police officers said during a recognition event Tuesday at Nashua police headquarters.

“Community policing works. And it should always be supported,” said Londonderry police Lt. Mark Morrison, president of the New Hampshire Police Association.

“Community policing is an integral part of policing,” added Hanover police Chief Charlie Dennis, president of the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police.

“And 2020 is a year that clearly demonstrates that need. And the year isn’t even over yet.”

Dennis referred to the havoc wreaked by the arrival, and subsequent rapid spread, of the deadly COVID-19 virus that launched the current pandemic, as well as what he referred to as “the horrific murder of Mr. Floyd in Minnesota” that triggered peaceful demonstrations, but also ignited spates of violence there and in other cities across the nation.

Both of New Hampshire’s U.S. senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, said Tuesday that the added focus on the importance of community policing over the past several months persuaded them to craft and support a bi-partisan resolution – with Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas – to officially recognize community policing.

The program, held outside in the public parking lot in front of Nashua police headquarters, was scheduled to coincide with National Community Policing Week, which began Sunday and runs through Saturday.

Dennis, the Hanover chief, said National Community Policing Week was originally a one-time event that former president Barack Obama proclaimed during his administration.

Dennis credited Shaheen for her efforts in resurrecting the week-long observance this year.

A full story on the event will appear in The Sunday Telegraph.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

Newsletter

Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.

Interests
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *