Crime analyst reports year‑to‑date drops in calls and arrests; staff outlines pending grants

The commission's crime analyst presented January–May 2026 year‑to‑date figures showing decreases across several measures: calls for service were down 2.7% to 12,191, arrests decreased 22% to 284, DWI arrests fell to 33 from 41, total offense reports were down 10.6% at 854, reportable motor vehicle crashes were down 18% to 150, and motor vehicle stops were down 38% to 1,952. For the month of June specifically, the analyst reported 456 traffic stops and 17 summonses issued.

Commissioners asked whether reductions in calls could be attributed to social‑work outreach. The crime analyst credited Brooke, the department social worker, saying Brooke's caseload had grown and she had six new referrals in mid‑June. "Brooke does a great job giving presentations and giving monthly stats to us as far as her caseload," the analyst said, and noted the social worker's efforts likely contributed to fewer non‑police calls for service.

On finance and grants, staff reported preliminary fiscal‑year close numbers that are tracking below cap and said they will return some funds. Staff obtained grant application documents tied to Representative Pappas for IT infrastructure (applications due mid‑July) and is awaiting notification from Senator Shaheen's office on an ICAC‑related invite. A Real Time Crime Center project submitted this year is not expected to be decided for several months; the JAG grant for rifle updates and a New Hampshire Highway Safety grant application are pending or under review.

Staff also reported that work is underway to assemble the strategic plan materials and move to new publishing software for public reporting.