Police Chief Paul Paquette Has Retired

Jan. 2, 2019

As of Dec. 31, 2018 Paul Paquette retired from his position as the Allenstown Police Chief. He turned in his shield and sidearm (and whatever else an officer turns in) and bid farewell to the department which he joined back in 2006 and where he served as Police Chief since 2013.

When Shaun Mulholland retired from the Allenstown police force in mid-2013 to become the Town Administrator, Mr. Paquette was hired as Acting Police Chief. In September 2013, Acting Chief Paquette officially became the Police Chief.

In this position, Chief Paquette has served the town honorably and has managed the police department well.

In 2014, under Chief Paquette's leadership, the department's comprehensive efforts proved fruitful in reducing Allenstown's crime rate. The result was less crime, higher solve rates, and higher conviction rates.

In 2015, officers saw an increase in their workload due to additional calls related to narcotics and drug overdoses. A new prosecutor, Dorothy Walch, was hired to pursue convictions and provide restitution to the community. She continues in this important role to this day.

In 2016, the department purchased a new records management software (IMC) which provided real-time information directly from dispatch to the officers in the field. The department also had to respond to a large increase in arrests and calls for service.

In 2017 the department purchased a Ford F-150 pickup truck for transporting large items. This saved more than $5,000 over a full-size SUV and resulted in a more useful vehicle.

In 2015, 2016, and 2017, members of the department participated more actively in fundraising efforts for various charitable organizations. Multiple Distinguished Unit Action (DUA) Awards were presented at the 2017 annual Christmas Party.

In 2018 the department conducted criminal investigations, and provided a variety of community policing services. Officers played an active role in community events such as Old Home Day. Training of officers beyond the Police Academy included situations like active shooter scenarios, natural disasters, and hostage situations.

Next Steps

It is expected that Lieut. Michael Stark will fill the gap as Acting Police Chief until a candidate is selected, but we expect that should not be a lengthy process. Candidates should read the job description, which begins with this requirement:

"Organize, direct, and control all resources of the department to preserve the peace, protect persons and property, and enforce ordinances and by-laws of the town, and state and federal laws."

Interested candidates should submit their resume no later than 4:00 p.m., January 18, 2019, to the Town Administrator at Town Hall, or send it via e-mail to dgoodine@allenstownnh.gov.

What You Can Do

The next time you see Mr. Paquette about town, wish our former Police Chief a happy and productive reirement.