Selectmen authorize police chief to apply for state grant to replace mobile data terminals; chief outlines staffing and training updates

The Board of Selectmen voted to authorize the chairman to sign a certificate of authority allowing the police chief to apply for a grant from the state Division of Safety to replace four mobile data terminals in patrol vehicles. Selectmen approved the certificate by motion, second and unanimous voice vote. Police Chief Flanders told the board the grant would be a 100% state reimbursement for four MDTs so there is no local match required; the replacement will support officer training and the increasingly electronic Academy curriculum. The chief said staffing has been easier to fill this year compared with prior years, but the department continues to balance full-time and part-time coverage and has a pending full-time appointment. Flanders reviewed public-safety planning for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway race weekend: a meeting of regional law enforcement partners is set, the department will employ a northbound detour on Route 129 during the race, and supervisors will meet to finalize operational staffing. The department also announced training milestones for personnel and an upcoming blood drive at the safety complex on Oct. 16. The board approved the certificate of authority and did not attach conditions to the grant application authorization.