As reported in the Eagle-Tribune today, there will be a warrant article for a 6th full timer this year. According to the paper, quoting Chief Consentino, this is due to the resignation of Officer Fardella, and the illness of Officer Lapham. This leaves two full time vacancies that need to be filled, and there is apparently one part time vacancy as well.
Why haven't we heard the Chief come into a selectmen's meeting and ask to advertise to fill these positions? Why has the town been advertising to fill officer Fardella's position, without public knowledge or disclosure? And the Chief is quoted in the paper as saying he has found a replacement for officer Fardella, how did this happen? Oh wait... This blog knows how....NON-PUBLIC SESSIONS!!!!!
You see this board likes to conduct business out of the publics eye as much as possible! What our selectmen chairman doesn't seem to realize is that the decision to advertise to fill an open position is a public one, not for non-public session, not that they care. The actual debate about the relative merits of the candidates is a non-public subject, but the decision to advertise, and hire is a public purpose.
What this story fails to mention is that we currently have 20 part timers!!! 20!!! Why cant some of them work to cover the vacant shifts? They ARE on the payroll!, They do have uniforms, guns, and body armor. We have spent THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THIER EQUIPMENT, TRAINING, PHYSICALS, AND SUPPORT, WHY CANT THEY WORK? If they cant do a full shift, have two of them split a shift! Fill officer Fardella's vacancy, and use part timers to fill officer Laphams, what is the problem? The problem is that the police dept. has wanted a 6th full timer for years, and this is the excuse to create the need. No other force in NH has 5 FT officers and 20PT officers!!! That is mismanagement of resources! But the dirty little secret here is that only 7 of those part time officers work regularly! The other 13 are like the chief's son, David, who puts in 12-20 hours PER YEAR!!!
Are we seriously going to believe that with 20PT officers we cant find 2 to fill one officers shifts? And how did one officer go over his hours, and another almost go over, with that many to choose from?
As usual there are a lot of questions to be asked here, but OUR board of selectmen will NEVER QUESTION THE CHIEF ABOUT ANYTHING!!!
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ATKINSON's Vietnam HONOR ROLL as VOTED and PASSED by 2005 Town Meeting and re-approved at Special Town Meeting Sept. 12
EDITORIAL-
A voice of compassion, an example of fairness and reasonable government.
One who believes in the strength and comfort you, your children and your family can draw from good government leadership.
A person who knows Atkinson is our home -- our most important possession that must be preserved and protected through fair taxes and sound community planning and where our children must be safe to grow to become a new generation of leaders.
One who knows that the citizens of Atkinson are all neighbors with her leadership to be dedicated and responsive to all.
One who believes that when those from Atkinson have served our nation and honors are deserved, those honors must be given.
In Valerie Tobin, we now have a leader we know we can entrust with these responsibilities because they are part of her character.
It is our honor to endorse Valerie for election to Atkinson’s Board of Selectmen.
Just a note for those who wish to count the deer.
In January 08 this blog had 16,000 hits and 1,500 unique visitors (for the month).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
EDITORIAL-
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." [TP, 1776]
We take no small measure of umbrage at such a hostile official act against this BLOG’s patron. Therefore, a timely Editorial comment is both appropriate and necessary.
Discussion of Atkinson’s financial direction, from any viewpoint, is fundamental and encouraged and we will always attempt to limit and correct errors.
However, Righteous indignation towards purported error of such inconsequential nature is not appropriate.
The ENTIRE car deal is problematic. If it was caused by poor judgement, improper exercise of authority, neglect or mistake or even specious reasoning, this will never trump the facts that the entire questionable transaction started and ended within a very small circle of confidants.
We find the entire circumstances surrounding the disposition of the police Cruiser highly irregular at the least and the "explanations" somewhat trifling and exhaustive of our intellect.
Mr. Consentino: It’s time to go. Being Chief of Atkinson’s Police Department is NOT a birthright. That is a fabled legend of yesteryear.
Historically in Atkinson, police chief appointments were made "under the hand of the selectmen" for terms of one year at a time, as was also the case in the beginning of Mr. Consentino’s assorted and discontinuous stream of appointments to this position.
Your only remaining credential established on a claim of indispensability has faded.
So time is neigh. Plan a graceful exit, Clean out your desk, Accept the gratitude and tearful sentiments from some. We plan no editorial recriminations. It is time. Thank you for your service, We wish you a long and happy retirement. Bon Voyage.
LETTER
"To All Atkinson Residents,
I am writing to ask for your help. A member of the Atkinson Police Department needs our help. I am here to ask for your help in Corporal John Lapham's fight for his life. As you are aware, John has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been once again hospitalized with an infection that is threatening his life. He is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. He has never asked of anything from the residents of the town. Now is our chance to step up and help both him and his family out. As everyone is aware John has been out of work for a few months. His family has been busy helping John to get better. He needs our help, and I am hoping that this town can step up to the plate and help. From the moment that I met John, I have admired him. He does alot, but never asks for anything in return. He has helped so many people in this town. I for one am one of those people. Please help him.
There is a fund set-up in his name at TDBanknorth in Plaistow. Any amount will help John, while he is out of work. It would be great if this town could help ease a burden off his wife.
Thank You
Also if anyone would like to send a card, please address it to:
John Lapham
c/o Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Ctr.
Inpatient mail
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Please show Corporal John Lapham, that this community can stand up and show our support to those in need. I for one, miss John and can not wait until he can get better and return to work. Please show him that we support him. "
25 comments:
Several years ago, a study of the Police Department was done (I think by Police Standards and Training.) That study recommended 4 full time officers, and suggested that when the town felt it was necessary to add another officer, the 5th full time should be the chief. Just thought you all might be interested in knowing that.
Someone needs to do the analysis on how towns like Hampstead, Sandown, Danville and other local small towns operate their PD. From all of what I have read and heard, our PD is the joke of Southern NH and it only continues to worsen. I just hope they don't lose any more guns or smash up any more police cars. Taxpayers are getting porked by the PD.
First of all why has this blog not even mentioned anything about poor Cpl Lapham, my son had him for DARE last year and he is the ultimate professional on the force. I wish him a speedy recovery and would love to nominate him as the next Chief.
Next, if I was a betting man, I would guess the heir to the thrown (Baldwin), will be in next week with a very qualified candidate that endured an extensive background and Lt Baldwin will swear on a Coast Gaurd Cutter that after a nationwide search he/she is the best candidate. It won't be revealed (and the selectmen won't ask) if this candidate is an aquaintance of the LT. They will take him for his word.
Whatever happened to the last guy they hired and chased the kid on the motorcycle to his death? Is that lawsuit in The Taxpayer section?
I pray that they interviewed more than 1 candidate but ok I will take the bet!!!!
20 PT police Officers! Are you kidding me? I see the same 3-4 PT officers working all the time and that's it.
I am greatful that they do work and I am sure they are saving the town money. I know that in any other town the Full-Timers would be collecting mucho OT, but here in Atkinson the part-timers are helping out and saving the Chief a bunch of $$$.
Back to 20 part-time officers. Can you say BADGE BUNNY? We, the taxpayers, are paying so that these badge carrying useless want to be police officers can carry a badge and say they work for APD.
Great idea put Phil's son David in the cruiser and while you are at it how about Sgt. Kinney's daughter Karen?
Could someone provide this blog with the rest of the list, I'd love to know who else isa PT officer?
The article is a joke. The residents of Atkinson need to wake up. This is a fast one being pulled on you. Bigger budgets, means higher taxes. At times like these can we really afford it? I hope the Budget Committee says "NO" to the idea.
So they are not just looking to replace the people who have left, they want to add a 6th full time officer? Meaning that if Fardella and Lapham were still on the force, they would be looking to add a completely new, additional FT officer? Do I have this correct?
As usual, I agree with some of the blog's post and disagree with most of the post.
How is public advertising for an open position considered non-public secret tactics by the Board? If it is being advertised in the paper, how much more public would you like it? It is common practice to fill an open position created by a vacancy. This doesn't require a full public vote.
With regards to the 20 part-timers, this I agree with. The part-timers are not some part-time officers as they are employees of the elderly affairs department under the police department umbrella. Atkinson should have 8 full-time officers and get rid of the part-timers. This will not happen until Phil is gone and a qualified, full-time, experienced Chief fixes the mess.
I have to agree with one of the previous posters, Cpl. Lapham is the consumate professional. Good humor, good judgement, knows the ropes, and always treats the public with respect, and because of all of this, he gets respect in return. Add to that, a degree, and the same amount of time in service as Lt. Baldwin. He will be sorely missed in town. John, if you should read this, I wish you and your family well. And for you, good luck.
out of the 20 PT officers only about 6 or 7 work regularly. the other only work on halloween night! you know, turning away the Mass cars at the border!
In addition to DARE, I believe Cpl Lapham also did a program for kids to show them how to protect themselves against perverts, and that was awesome as well. He's got a great personally to deal with kids. I have a couple of friends who went through thee same things he's going through. May he be as successful as they were - are.
To anon January 2, 2008 12:46 A link to the roster can be found here but it doesn't break-out who is part time vs. regular time.
http://atkinsonpolice.us/dotnetnuke/WelcometotheAtkinsonPoliceDepartment/OfficerRoster/tabid/57/Default.aspx
Forgive me for being obtuse, but doesn't the fact that the PD is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or somewhere thereabouts make them ALL part time? How many other communities need to reach out to a neighboring town for assistance "after hours". In addition to the fact that we have one car on patrol. Seems that there's something wrong with this picture.
Fact is that even though we have 5 FT now, 3 of them work days, 1 on eves 1 on nights. PT do weekend shifts.
Both chief and LT. have stated many times, that we typically have one cruiser on patrol on any shift.
inefficient use of personell! Out of the FT, 1 is Lt. 1 is Sgt. 1 is Cpl. that leaves 3 chiefs and 2 indians, and you wonder why our PD budget is $100,000 higher than Hampstead, and $250,000 higher than Sandown?
The full-time officers are as follows:
Lieutenant William Baldwin
Sergeant Phil Farrar
Corporal John Lapham
Officer Justin Paquette
(Open Position)
The rest are part-time, including Rich Buco, who used to be full-time and left only to come back.
Only the Atkinson PD can take credit for the following accomplishments in 2007:
2 Lawsuits
3 Written Harrassment Complaints
2 Police Car Crash in PD lot
1 Full Time Officer resignation
1 Bloated budget
1 Lost Gun
1 Current investigation by Police Standards and Training of Phil
And to use the illness of Officer Lapham as a leverage point to confuse the voters that we "need another police officer" is about as low as you can get.
And I predict the budget committee will approve it because it is stacked with Consentino cronies. They will recommend all of the PD spending in town. I heard Phil wants to remodel the PD building and don't forget the communications tower we allegedly need. I heard Phil made a statement it was "going up on Hogs Hill". I'll be curious to see if these become actual warrant articles.
I like the part about the Lt working all the extra hours over the holidays.
My employer has a unionized work force, with scheduling language in the contract.
If a similar situation had occurred you can bet management would have increased the hours of the "casual" employees in order to help share the load until a permanent solution was found.
Weather or not 1 or all of the PD part timers are affiliated with the union and are entiitled to a "casual" schedule, all should be required to work a minimum number of hours on duty per week. How do the temporary officers stay current proceduarally if they hardly ever work?
Lastly, because of the size of our town, we should not be the "Club Med" of policing jobs. save it for a town that can afford it like Bedford NH - but hey, I'll bet in Bedford the PT officers don't write their own ticket in terms of being awarded a gravey train work schedule?
We need someone to bring the car sale to Young Consentino up before the Ethics committee. I HAVE to remain in the shadows unfortunately
but this is a no-brainer. The investigation will ultimately make it to the newspaper and this is a battle the Chief cannot win. He has publicly stated in his letter to M. Acciard that the car was sold to his son. Again this is a no-brainer. I am hoping someone can do it. Yes, I am part chicken,
so what?
Sapia really made a show of appearing like he was going to stand up and represent the people; he turned into a well groomed follower of the chief, and lost the respect of much of the town in the process.
How said that one man can bully a whole town into submission. What the hell's wrong with this town?
It sure smells like Phil and Bill are using their #1 man Lapham as a pawn in this game.
A 6th Fulltimer, what's he/she going to do, when will they work. I know, I bet they will add them to the day shift.
You would think Baldwin would know the meaning of delegation of authority, someone can't work:MAKE SOMEONE ELSE!. That's the way it happens everywhere else, ask your friends in Law enforcement has anyone heard of a LT in a PD taking open shifts AND NOT GETTING PAID FOR IT.?
The 6th full timer, I take it that the position would be filled by a Chief. Isn't that what the Police want? Lord knows we don't need another patrol officer. We are running out of cars for them. God forbid a senior doesn't get a transport.
Oh no, we have Plenty of cars!
thats why they crash them into each other in the PD parking lot! Phil says he needs a bigger lot, but if he didnt have 2 cars for every FT officer, then he wouldn't need one, would he?
I would like to know why Consentino uses the DARE truck as his PERSONAL vehicle. Whether he's going out to eat, go shopping or run errands, it's in the DARE truck. People, that truck is using ATKINSON PROPERTY (transponder) to fill it at the pumps. I have to ask, with the price of gas (whether it be high or low), do you like it that the residents have pay for it? Does he think that is one of the perks of the job? Using our tax dollars to do HIS PERSONAL ERRANDS to me is nothing more than THEFT! Does he use the excuse that he may have to respond to an accident? Forget it, he would call in the duty officer, he is neither qualified or certified to deal with anything to do with police business.
The bottom line is our chief is not qualified nor educated to run a modern day police department. He has no idea what he is doing and our PD is the joke of the region. Just ask any cop in any neighboring town. And LT Baldwin is the second biggest joke because he has no degree and half the experience required to fill a LT slot in any other town in NH. He is Phil's puppet and being set up to continue business as usual after Consentino is gone (which is going to be very soon if NH Police Standards and Training do their job with the current investigation of Phil). Phil is really good at providing services to the elderly whom he panders and uses for votes to electioneer his buddies into town offices.
On the Atkinson TV Bulletin Board, there's a "WANT AD" for a new part-time officer. Does that mean that the Chief is looking for 6 full times (excluding a chief) and 21 part-timers?
With all due respect, some of his part-timers are older than I am, and I retired from my job 4 years ago, at a time when I felt I was just not keeping up with the times. Old people are nice, but there comes a time when they stop keeping up with the new and start remembering the good old days. They need to quit, so they'll have more time to reflect on their memories.
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Shot down in flames at the selectmen's meeting. Tell's you how bad the idea was when he can't even get Sapia to support it. But Phil was still mad anyway. God forbid anyone tell that man he you can't waste any more taxpayer dollars.
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