At the Dec. 17 Laconia Police Commission meeting Chief Matthew J. Canfield gave a combined update on outreach programs, accreditation and facility/fleet projects.

Chief Canfield announced the department will restart Coffee with a Cop monthly beginning in January and will launch a citizen police academy for residents of the Taylor community from Jan. 15 through March 12, with sessions on Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. "We're bringing officers up to to teach them what we do," he said, describing the academy as a way to familiarize residents with patrol, detective and administrative functions.

On community fundraising and property disposition, Canfield said the city council approved returning found-bicycle auctions to the police station and designated proceeds to support the Wow Trail’s maintenance. He said the department will assist with logistics while the Wow Trail organization will run the auction.

Support Division Captain Rainey reported vehicle and facilities work: a newly lettered Ford F-250 was placed in service and the department awaits delivery of three additional cruisers. He also said the building’s HVAC control server failed and the vendor is installing updated control software. "It's all lettered up...still waiting to hear on the other 3 cruisers," Captain Rainey reported.

Chief Canfield also summarized the department’s CALEA annual web-based assessment, saying the assessor was impressed and "particularly called out accreditation manager Robin Moyer for performing exceptionally in her role," and that the assessment report was submitted for final review and approval.

The commission accepted these updates as informational; no contract awards or new budget authorizations were made at the meeting.