In 1980 , Chief Gregory Dodge was hired as a  full-time patrol officer.  In 1981, he became the last elected Police Chief in Epping.  The Town voted to make the Chief's position an appointed one and a year later the Chief was appointed to this permanent appointment.  He has served as Epping's Chief of Police ever since.

Update: After 31-years of service, Chief Dodge retired December 31, 2011.  On January 1, 2012, Lieutenant Michael Wallace was promoted to Chief.  

Over the past three decades the Epping Police Department has  grown in numbers to where we are today, fourteen full-time officers, four part-time officers, an Executive Secretary, an Attorney for prosecution, and an Animal Control Officer.  The rank structure begins with the Chief, who oversees all functions of the department.  Second in command is the Captain, who oversees the every day administrative functions of the department.  Next are two Sergeants who are responsible for supervising Detectives and Patrol Officers.  The two Detectives are tasked with investigating felony, drug and other serious crimes.  The department's Patrol Officers are the backbone of the agency.  They are the officers that proactively patrol the community, respond to emergencies and interact with the community on a daily basis.        

For many years the Epping police station was housed in the basement of Town Hall.  Space was tight and conducting every day business was extremely difficult.  In January of 2001, the police and fire departments moved into the newly-constructed Safety Complex located at 37 Pleasant Street.  The new station has proven to be a valuable investment, as the department is now able to serve the community in a more efficient and safe manner.

                                                                              MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Epping Police Department is to consistenly find ways to promote, maintain and deliver a sense of security, safety and quality of life to the citizens of Epping.  We believe that law enforcement has certain standards as its foundation.  To fulfill our mission, we are dedicated to:

*  Recognizing our responsibility to the citizens of Epping.
*  Performing our duties within the confines of the New Hampshire Constitution, United States Constitution, and 
    ordinances of the Town of Epping.  
*  Enduring sensitivity to human needs and treating each person with respect, compassion and dignity.
*  Approaching each situation as distinctive and responding resourcefully with empathy and proactive use of
   discretion.
*  Promoting shared trust between the department and the community as a whole.
*  Consistently ensuring our residents experience a sense of safety and security.
*  Fostering a quality work environment that encourages open communication and affords trust, respect, and support
   for each member.
   
                                                                                                                          COURT

The Epping Police Department prosecutes all violations, misdemeanors, and town ordinances at the 10th Circut Court.  All felony level crimes are prosecuted by the Rockingham County Attorney's Office at the Rockingham County Superior Court.  Juvenile Offenses are brought before Brentwood Family Division.  Attorney Heather Newell serves as the Epping Police Department Prosecutor.  She may be reached at (603) 965-1225.

                                                               MOTORCYCLE UNIT

Approximately eight years ago the Epping Police Department added a motorcycle to our patrol fleet.  The goal of the motorcycle unit is to address traffic concerns through proactive enforcement and to manuever more efficiently through the ever-increasing traffic to respond to emergencies more effectively.  The motorcycle unit has also been positively used in community policing efforts such as parades and funeral processions.  It can also be regualrly seen patrolling neighborhoods during the warmer months.  

Officers must pass a rigorous training program in order to be qualified to operate the motorcycle unit.  Officer Richard McFadden has been certified as an instructor and qualifies a small group of officers of the Department to be part of the unit.  Officer Raymond Fluet and Officer Stephen Soares are also certified to operate the departments motorcycle unit.

                                                                                                         D.A.R.E. PROGRAM

D.A.R.E. is an acronym for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.  The Epping Police Department, in cooperation with the Epping School District, has provided D.A.R.E. instruction for close to twenty years.  For the past eleven years Officer Richard McFadden has served as our D.A.R.E. Instructor.  He is also a D.A.R.E. mentor for the Northern New England Training Team and, as such, helps to train new D.A.R.E. officers.

Officer McFadden instructs fifth and seventh grade students on the dangers of the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol.  Other topics include bullying, making healthy choices and building self-esteem.  If you have any questions regarding the D.A.R.E. Program, you may call Sergeant McFadden, or send him an Email r.mcfadden@eppingpd.com.

                                                                      TIP-LINE

Many years ago the Epping Police Department established an anonymous Tip-Line to assist the department in solving crimes committed within the Town of Epping.  Anyone wishing to provide anonymous information that may assist us in solving a crime may call (603) 679-3030.     

                                                                  EMPLOYMENT

Currently, there are no positions available within the Epping Police Department.  We always accept resumes that will be kept on file for one year.  Those who have submitted resumes within the previous 12-months will be contacted when a position becomes available.  Resumes and cover letters should be submitted to;

                                                                           Epping Police Department
                                                                            C/O Captain Jason Newman
                                                                                 37 Pleasant Street
                                                                                 Epping, NH  03042

The hiring process for entry level police officers consists of written and physical agility testing.  Upon passing these tests candidates are invited to an Oral Interview Board.  Successful candidates are than subject to additional interviews, extensive background investigations, psychological testing, polygraphs and medical examinations.  Newly hired and uncertified police officers must attend the 14-week Basic Training Academy at New Hampshire Police Standards & Training Council in Concord, NH.  Upon graduation and becoming a certified full-time police officer, the officer must complete a rigorous internal field training program before he/she is assigned a patrol shift.    
 
The Town of Epping is an equal opportunity employer.