Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hampton approves Penguin Plunge permits; police report flags rising online-scam losses
Summary
The Select Board approved permits for the Special Olympics Penguin Plunge and heard the police quarterly report detailing staffing changes, two fatal e-vehicle crashes in 2025 and roughly $1.6 million in losses to online/crypto scams in Hampton during 2025, Chief Reno said.
The Hampton Select Board on Jan. 12 approved permits allowing the Special Olympics Penguin Plunge to take place Feb. 7–8, including a one-day entertainment license, a parade/public-gathering license and a Route 1A road-closure permit. The board approved the permits and customary municipal support (DPW, Police, Fire) by a 5-0-0 vote.
Chief Reno delivered the police department’s quarterly report, outlining personnel changes (two new full-time hires scheduled for the NH full-time Police Academy, promotions and civilian staff hires) and progress toward NH accreditation. He reported two fatal crashes in 2025 involving e-vehicles and said the department is seeing an increase in mental-health related calls for service.
On online scams and cryptocurrency fraud, Chief Reno reported roughly $1.6 million in losses by Hampton residents in 2025, up from about $1 million in 2024, and said the department has been coordinating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, Homeland Security and state prosecutors to investigate and raise awareness. He advised residents that "if it looks too good to be true, then it is" and urged people to contact banks directly and call police if they suspect fraud.
The chief also noted a federal Congressionally Directed Spending request selected by Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office for FY2026 that could fund $925,000 for body cameras, cruiser cameras and a program manager; final appropriation remains subject to the federal budget process.
Why it matters: the statistics and the $925,000 federal request reflect local public-safety priorities — staffing, technology upgrades and community outreach to address evolving fraud and e-vehicle safety challenges.
What comes next: the Penguin Plunge is scheduled for Feb. 7–8; the police department will continue accreditation work and provide requested year-over-year statistics to the board.
Quote: Chief Reno said Hampton residents lost about "$1.6 million" to online scams in 2025 and that the department is pursuing multi-agency strategies to combat the problem.
