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5 Critical Updates From The Durham NH Police Department In 2025: Leadership, Accreditation, And Community Focus

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The Durham NH Police Department (DNHPD) continues its commitment to professional, accredited law enforcement, navigating a year of key personnel changes, strategic operational updates, and deeper community engagement as of December 26, 2025. This year has been marked by a focus on maintaining its high standards, particularly through the complex process of Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) compliance, while adapting to new challenges in the greater Durham and University of New Hampshire (UNH) area.

From welcoming new officers to addressing critical statewide issues like bail reform, the DNHPD remains a full-service, 21-officer organization dedicated to public safety. The department's proactive stance on transparency and community partnership is evident in its regular updates to the Town Council and its continued support for essential community service programs.

The Leadership Shaping Modern Policing: Chief Rene Kelley’s Profile and Team

The operational success and community-focused direction of the Durham Police Department are largely guided by its veteran leadership team. Chief Rene Kelley, a highly respected figure in New Hampshire law enforcement, helms the department.

  • Chief of Police: Rene Kelley
    • Career Length: A 35-year veteran police officer.
    • Start Date: Began his career with the Durham, New Hampshire Police Department in 1987.
    • Notable Involvement: Has actively supported statewide initiatives, including advocating for a fix to the broken bail system alongside other New Hampshire police chiefs.
    • Community Role: Regularly provides informative presentations to bodies like the Durham Human Rights Commission.
  • Deputy Chief: Jack Dalton
    • Serves as the second-in-command, providing essential support to the Chief in daily operations and strategic planning.
    • The department saw a significant transition with the retirement of former Deputy Chief David Holmstock in July 2025 after 36 years of service.
  • Key Command Staff:
    • Captain John Lavoie
    • Sergeant Randy Pelletier
    • Sergeant Craig Forrest
  • School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: Officer Nicolosi is a key figure in community outreach, strengthening the vital link between the DNHPD and the Oyster River Cooperative School District.

5 Key Operational and Community Updates from the DNHPD in 2025

The year 2025 brought several significant developments and strategic focuses for the Durham Police Department, highlighting its commitment to continuous improvement and community service.

1. Strategic Investment in CALEA Accreditation

The DNHPD, a CALEA accredited law enforcement organization, is doubling down on its commitment to maintaining this gold standard. A key update from the December 5, 2025, Town of Durham Friday Updates indicated a budgetary increase to add a new part-time CALEA Coordinator starting in July 2026. This investment underscores the department's dedication to professional excellence and adherence to national best practices, which is crucial for a department serving a unique demographic that includes the University of New Hampshire community.

2. New Officer Integration and Staffing Levels

Maintaining full staffing levels is a constant focus. In April 2025, the department welcomed Officer Hatfield, who graduated and joined the ranks of the 21 full-time police officers serving the Town of Durham. This continuous cycle of recruitment and training ensures the DNHPD can meet the diverse public safety needs of the town, including its large student population.

3. Heightened Emergency Preparedness Planning

In October 2025, the Durham Police Department met with Town staff to review local logistics related to emergency preparedness. This proactive measure is vital for a town that experiences high-volume events related to the University of New Hampshire (UNH) calendar, such as the UNH Durham Student Move-In Traffic & Parking Advisory issued in August 2025. The department also contributes to the annual security and fire safety reporting for the UNH campus.

4. Active Community and Public Works Partnerships

The DNHPD is not solely focused on traditional policing but actively engages in outreach and educational programs. In January 2025, the department partnered with the Durham Public Works Department on a specific initiative program, demonstrating a collaborative approach to town services. Furthermore, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2025-15 in July 2025, reaffirming the town's commitment to police and legal protections, solidifying the DNHPD's role as a cornerstone of the community.

5. Addressing Statewide Policy: Bail Reform Support

Chief Rene Kelley was one of more than 70 police chiefs and law enforcement leaders across New Hampshire to publicly support fixing the state's broken bail system. This involvement showcases the DNHPD’s commitment to not only local enforcement but also to shaping effective, fair, and sustainable statewide criminal justice policies. This policy engagement is a critical aspect of modern, progressive law enforcement leadership.

The Gold Standard: CALEA Accreditation and Strategic Initiatives

The Durham NH Police Department's status as a CALEA accredited agency is a defining characteristic of its operational philosophy. Accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies signifies that the DNHPD meets hundreds of rigorous standards related to policy, procedures, administration, operations, and support services.

This accreditation is a continuous process that requires constant review and update, a fact highlighted by the budgetary allocation for a new CALEA Coordinator in 2026. This commitment to external review ensures transparency and accountability, which are paramount in a modern law enforcement environment, especially in a university town where relations with the student body are crucial.

The department’s community engagement extends to various platforms, ensuring residents have access to crucial information. The DPD News Flash and the regular Friday Updates from the Town of Durham serve as primary sources for the latest news and statistics. Key areas of focus that require ongoing police attention include traffic advisories, parking enforcement (including seasonal opportunities), and managing the unique challenges presented by the dense, often temporary, population of the University of New Hampshire.

By focusing on professional development, maintaining a full staff of dedicated police officers, and actively participating in both local and statewide policy discussions, the Durham NH Police Department is setting a high bar for excellence in New England law enforcement. The updates from 2025 demonstrate a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes both operational integrity and a strong, collaborative relationship with the community it serves.

5 Critical Updates from the Durham NH Police Department in 2025: Leadership, Accreditation, and Community Focus
durham nh police department
durham nh police department

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