On August 24th Chief Michael Carignan, Nashua Police Department, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua the Nashua Police Department. Chief Carignan has been a member of the Nashua Police Department since 1993. He began his career as a Patrolman and worked his way through the ranks. He became a Sgt. in 2005, then moving to Captain, Detective and Deputy Chief in 2014. Chief Carginan also volunteers and serves with many local non-profit organizations.
Given the pandemic and current events in the nation it was a very informative discussion.
With regards to Covid19 precautions:
- Nashua PD took a proactive approach by keeping 25 officers were sent home to be on reserve should any become officer become sick, exposed or quarantine be needed.
- Being in contact with other first responders and health officials.
- They are trying to stay on top of changes that occur daily with regards to Covid restrictions and precautions. Most everyone is helping!
Current events regarding “defunding” and working with minorities.
- Begins with the hiring and vetting process of all new officers. Only 2% of applicants are hired.
- After hiring, 16 weeks of Police Academy, 2/3 weeks with a senior officer and slow 12 week process before working alone. Typically 6-month “on boarding” process.
- Plus testing, mental health, extensive background tests lead to a professional police force.
- Again NPD has been proactive versus reactive to the concerns of all minority groups.
- Long before the current movements, Nashua Police had reached out to our local minority communities many years ago to have open dialogues to address concerns.
- These discussions have been an open type format and have included meetings at local schools.
- Many new approaches to law enforcement, understanding folks on the spectrum such as Autism.
- Police work is not only dangerous but also can take a toll on the officers, they are often subjected to a lot of stress that tends to builds over the years.
- There are numerous programs available to help officers work through difficult times.
Chief Carignan has only known Nashua Police Department to be Nationally Accredited. Simply stated, they must adhere to 450 standards of conduct and are subject to annual review. These standards help.
Chief Carignan believes the department’s proactive approach to all aspects of police service as well as the support of the residents and city officials has helped keep the force professional and positive. I believe I speak for the entire club when I say we are lucky to have a professional police force that is actively engaged with the public, and it starts with the Chief down the newest recruit.