Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Goffstown Police Department to fairly enforce the law in an impartial and sensitive manner; to secure a safe and healthy environment for the community; and to provide competent, professional, and dedicated police service which places emphasis on protecting the fundamental Constitutional rights and privileges of all people.

History of the Goffstown Police Department

Goffe's Town was originally named after Colonel John Goffe, who was a soldier and civic leader. The Town of Goffstown was incorporated in 1761. The Town's elected officials appointed constables to keep the peace, with an influence from English common law. Each constable was paid $10.00 per year, excluding expenses.

The first part-time police chief, Thomas Largy, was appointed in 1924, and had two part-time officers sharing duties. The expenses for that year, were $294.35. Chief Largy was succeeded in 1939 by Chief John L. Putnam, who eventually served as the Town's first full-time Police Chief. He was followed by Earl Dubois, who was promoted to Chief of Police in 1956. By 1958, Chief Dubois had two full-time men working for the Department, with an annual budget of $16,638.

In 1962, a Police/Fire building was constructed and included for the first time, a twenty-four hour dispatch center. This replaced calls going to the Chief's home. In 1963, the Communications Center was recognized as being one of a few in the State of New Hampshire.

The Department also began a K-9 division, in 1962, giving Goffstown the reputation of being a progressive department. In 1965, Robert J. Wike became Chief and remained so until his retirement in 1984. His tenure included the philosophy of community based policing and education of officers. He has been credited with the inception of several programs.

Much of the growth and expansion of the Goffstown Police Department, during the 1970s, came from Law Enforcement Assistance Administration grants and the Governor's Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The agency moved to the basement of the Town Hall in 1970. The annual budget in 1971 was $92,000.

The Goffstown Police Department has been dedicated to such community based programs as Officer Friendly, D.A.R.E., Police Explorers, Adopt-a-School, Ride-a-Long, Special Olympics Torch Run, and Bike Patrol. Throughout the year, officers teach law enforcement related curriculum in the Goffstown High School and at Saint Anselm College. The Department continuously provides seminars such as self-protection against sexual assaults and domestic violence.

The Goffstown Police Department values its close relationship with the Community, and will continue to work on building that relationship in the future.