Laconia PD several officers short
 

Very disappointing to read in today’s LDS that the Laconia PD are 13 officers short of a full staff with little to no recruits on the horizon. I personally understand the negative sentiment towards the job and those willing to serve. It’s just not right. With that said, there must be more to it. What are we missing? The Laconia Police Chief is rarely heard from or mentioned in articles. Is he a problem? Never met him.


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This is typical in towns across the state and the country. You should not be surprised.

The Laconia Police Chief, Matt Canfield, is a good guy and does a great job. He came up through the ranks before he was appointed to the Chief's position.

I have had interactions with him on a couple of occasions and was very impressed with his professionalism and follow through on issues. The LDS article points out that low salaries may be the primary recruiting problem.

The anti police sentiment promoted by certain factions, and the lack of support from the court system, has had a negative effect on police department recruiting all over the country.

Retirement
 

Several years ago the on-job requirement for their retirement was raised from 20 years to 25 years. It should be returned to 20 years, because those extra 5 years really take a toll and might be the reason the job doesn't look so great now.

Not enough workforce.
It is happening everywhere. Which is why Laconia is reporting it across multiple departments.

Great to hear the positive feedback on the Chief. The pay scale should be greater than any of the surrounding towns. Skip buying the Woolworth next to the Colonial and raise salaries


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Keys words here: SHOULD BE. Laconia's budget SHOULD BE the biggest in the Lakes Region but it isn't, Wolfeboro's is.

Laconia has a tax cap... so I think it tends to compare itself to Cities like Franklin.

The issue is one of allocation not lack of available dollars


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It used to be a sought-after career, not anymore. :(

What are they allocating it to?
Franklin is offering a much higher sign-on bonus.

Schools and administration. Libraries expense can also be reduced. It’s not always about the children. The DPW and Police budgets need increases


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According to the numbers, Laconia doesn't really expend that much more per student than Franklin. Laconia does have a broad tech school training in Huot, and ranks higher as a school system.

Franklin doesn't have many officers for its population, especially relative to Laconia... and recently had a vote of no confidence against the Chief and his Lts - so they had to do something. So the high sign-on bonus is probably to overcome that. Whether it will work long term has yet to be seen.

But I don't see anything too odd in the budgets.