Concord has named a police chief for its police force, elevating an officer who has spent the last two decades protecting the New Hampshire capital. Barrett Moulton, a veteran of the Concord Police Department since 2006, officially steps into the top job after guiding the agency as interim chief for the past year.
Taking the helm at a transitional moment for local law enforcement, Moulton is inheriting a department working to overcome longstanding operational challenges. Staffing shortages, recruitment hurdles, and the mounting demands of modern policing sit at the forefront of his agenda as he looks to stabilize the workforce and modernize daily operations.
Department leaders report that calls for service now demand significantly more time than they once did, a shift driven by advancing technology and complex investigative requirements. That administrative weight eats into the hours available for officers to handle routine community policing, such as directing traffic around the city.
Building a Stronger Force in the Capital
Despite these hurdles, Moulton expressed deep pride in leading a department rooted in a supportive community. “New Hampshire’s a great community for law enforcement,” Moulton said. “We’re a really tight community. With it being the capital, it makes us a little bit different, of course, but it’s really the people here. I think Concord’s got really big support from our community. It makes working here better.”
To bolster recruitment efforts and modernize operations, the agency is placing high hopes on a brand-new facility currently taking shape. Construction on a modern police headquarters on Bouton Street is progressing, with officials aiming to transition into the new building within Moulton’s first year as chief. Department leadership anticipates that the upgraded workspace will serve as a valuable asset in drawing fresh recruits to the force.
Operational Challenges and Modern Demands
- Staffing Pressures: Lingering recruitment and retention issues continue to strain department personnel numbers.
- Technological Demands: Evolving technology increases the time required to process individual calls for service.
- Routine Duties: Extended call times reduce the availability of officers for standard community tasks like traffic direction.
- Facility Upgrades: A new headquarters under construction on Bouton Street is slated to open within the chief’s first year.
As the department prepares for its eventual relocation to the Bouton Street facility, the focus remains firmly on stabilizing staffing levels and adapting to the technological demands of modern public safety work in New Hampshire’s capital.
