The Budget Committee meeting held by the City Council of Greenland, New Hampshire, on December 7, 2024, focused on several key issues, including crime statistics and the success of the local comfort dog program.

During the meeting, discussions highlighted a notable increase in shoplifting incidents, particularly involving organized crime from out-of-state sources. Committee members expressed concern over the impact of these crimes on local businesses, with references to similar challenges faced by national chains like Best Buy and Dick's Sporting Goods. The police department reported that while the overall types of crimes have remained stable, there has been a marked increase in shoplifting and driving offenses.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the comfort dog program, which began in 2019 with the introduction of a therapy dog named Willow. The program was initiated after a large seizure of dogs in Belmont, New Hampshire, and has since evolved into a vital resource for both police officers and the community. Willow, trained by a police lieutenant's administrative assistant, has been actively involved in various community and police events, providing emotional support during traumatic incidents.

The committee noted that Willow and her handler have received multiple certifications, including for critical incident stress management, which allows them to assist officers after distressing events. The program has gained recognition across the state, with many other departments seeking guidance from Greenland on establishing similar initiatives.

Despite the program's success, questions arose regarding funding and compensation for the handler. Currently, there is no additional pay for the handler when Willow is utilized in other districts, which contrasts with practices in other states. The committee acknowledged the program's value and discussed potential avenues for future funding.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the dual challenges of rising crime rates and the positive impact of community programs like the comfort dog initiative. The City Council plans to continue addressing these issues in future sessions, focusing on enhancing public safety and community support.