Investigations are very labor intensive. Cases require an enormous amount of time and resources. Most complicated cases and all major crimes are handled in this Division, which include child abuse and neglect, sexual assaults, identity theft, drugs, gambling, burglary, robbery, white-collar and vice crimes.
Confidential Informants
Detectives also manages the department’s confidential drug and informant services. If you have information about criminal activity and would like to remain anonymous, you can make your call to the Detective Division with assurance that your call and information will remain confidential.
Crime Prevention and Community Service
All Goffstown Officers are involved in the Crime Prevention and Community Services Programs. They set up events in the Town such as the annual Public Safety Day and are available for talks and demonstrations for school and civic organizations. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent crime. You should constantly be alert to your surroundings and be vigilant about locking doors to your home and car. Teach children proper skills in avoiding dangerous situations. Our officers are available for group talks or other interested parties.
Domestic Violence
All officers and communications specialists are trained in domestic violence matters. The Detective Division and the Legal Bureau may provide further assistance to you while the case is being investigated and while it makes it way through the court system. For further information of domestic violence, please refer to the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence website.
Evidence
Sergeant Laroche, Detective Defosses and Executive Secretary Denise Roberge handle the department’s evidence room. If you are the victim of a crime, and you need to contact the department to recover items used as evidence in your case you should contact either of these members to schedule a meeting for the return of your property. Please call 497-4858 to make the appointment or to leave a message.
Juvenile Services
Child in Need of Services (CHINS) are handled as priority cases as are any case dealing with children. The Department will seek services for your child depending on their needs, whether it be within the Community or through the State of NH.
NOTE: The definition of Child in Need of Services (CHINS) and the requirements for filing a CHINS Petition changed on September 30, 2011, when changes to RSA 169-D went into effect. A Child in Need of Services is now defined as, “a child under the age of 18 with a diagnosis of severe emotional, cognitive, or other mental health issues who engages in aggressive, fire setting, or sexualized behaviors that pose a danger to the child or others and who is otherwise unable or ineligible to receive services under 1 RSA 169-B or RSA 169-C”.
Referrals may be made to the Legal Bureau for children who are deemed delinquent. The Goffstown Police Department works with juveniles and their parents/guardians in trying to resolve conflicts. The Family Division handles cases involving delinquent children. A delinquent child is one who has committed an offense that would be considered a crime if the person was an adult.
Crispin's House provides services to area youth and works towards preventing delinquency, substance abuse, and provides partnerships and support.
Safe School Act
The SSA requires schools to report to the police certain activities, such as assault, arson, drugs, alcohol, theft, threats, criminal mischief and possession of weapons. Most cases are resolved with a call to a parent to make them aware of the report. If further action is needed, the child may receive counseling or may be referred to diversion or court through the Legal Bureau.
Victim and Witness Services
Detectives will keep you informed of the progress of the case. They may advise you of special services that may be available.