Laconia Police Commission reviews monthly activity, new real‑time crime center and community programs

At a 2025 meeting of the Laconia Police Commission, commissioners heard monthly activity reports, updates on equipment and facilities, and plans for community outreach programs, and they approved the Sept. 24 meeting minutes.

The reports matter because they summarize recent public‑safety workload, staffing status and investments—information the commission uses to set priorities and monitor department performance.

Chief Steve Canfield reported that calls for service in September rose 9.91% from the prior period, totaling 3,090. Officers conducted 283 park “walk and talks,” handled 809 extra‑patrol requests (an increase the report described as 154%), and opened 449 criminal investigations, clearing 208 by arrest; 117 of those were physical‑custody arrests. The department recorded two DWI arrests, took 23 people into custody for intoxication, responded to 32 domestic‑disturbance calls and 88 other disturbance complaints, investigated five suicidal subjects and 14 alleged violations of restraining orders. Volunteers in the victim services unit donated eight hours in September.

The Criminal Investigations Unit was assigned seven new cases and logged multiple investigative actions: eight follow‑ups on earlier matters, 19 felony…