Article 17: Equipment for Hampton Police Department – $404,283

Click here to see the wording of this Article as it appears on your ballot.

What it means: In 2020, the State of NH set up a commission to address Law Enforcement reforms, which resulted in recommendations for police body-worn and vehicle mounted cameras. This Article is requesting the funds necessary for the purchase of the equipment, accessories, training, and support materials to be paid off over a 5-year period. The costs for years 2-5 would be included in the annual budget and default budget for years 2024-2027. This program would also require the hiring of an additional full-time police lieutenant. The funding for the additional lieutenant is requested in Article 18. Failure to pass this Article would make Article 18 null and void.

 Those in favor say: Studies have shown that there is an 88% decrease in police department complaints when body-cams have been worn, and a 78% decrease in “use of force” complaints. The program is expected to enhance transparency and decrease liability for the Town. It provides protection for both the officers and the public. A $50,000 grant has been obtained from the NH Dept of Justice which would help defray costs, and more funding is being sought.

Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at the Deliberative Session.

Fiscal impact: Cost per $1,000 valuation is $0.023. A household valued at $400,000 would see a tax increase of $9.20 for 2023. In subsequent years 2024-2027, the cost of this equipment would be included in the Operating Budget.