7 Shocking Facts And Must-Know Details About The Conway NH Police Dept (2025 Update)
The Conway, New Hampshire Police Department (CPD) is a critical cornerstone of the Mount Washington Valley community, tasked with maintaining public safety across a region that sees a massive influx of tourists year-round. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the department has been focusing on modernization, community outreach, and managing a significant volume of calls for service, reflecting the area's growth and the challenges of a major tourist destination. The CPD operates with a commitment to professional and impartial law enforcement, aiming to be a model of excellence in policing by building trust and creating strong partnerships with residents and local businesses.
The department, led by its newest Chief, is actively recruiting and leveraging modern technology like its dedicated Drone Program to enhance its capabilities. The commitment to community engagement is evident in unique programs designed to protect the town’s most vulnerable residents, from seniors to students. Understanding the current status, leadership, and operational scope of the Conway NH Police Department provides essential insight into the safety and security of this vibrant New Hampshire town.
The Leadership and Roster: Chief Christopher J. Mattei and Key Personnel
The Conway Police Department is led by a dedicated command staff and supported by a team of full-time officers and civilian personnel. The department's leadership is focused on a solution-oriented approach to public service, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all of Conway's residents and visitors.
Chief of Police Biography: Christopher J. Mattei
Christopher J. Mattei serves as the current Chief of Police for the Conway Police Department. His appointment marks a significant transition in the department's history, as he is the 21st police chief in the department’s 79-year history. Chief Mattei took the oath of office with a clear vision to modernize the department, enhance community relations, and ensure the officers have the resources necessary to meet the complex demands of a modern resort town. His leadership is central to the CPD's mission of providing professional and impartial police services to the community.
Key Department Roster Entities:
- Chief of Police: Christopher J. Mattei (Badge #: 701)
- Lieutenant: Suzanne L. Kelley-Scott (Badge #: 702)
- Executive Assistant: Lora K. Labbe
- Number of Officers: The department maintains a staff of approximately 24 sworn officers.
- Location: 35 East Conway Road, Center Conway, NH 03813
Unpacking 2024-2025 Conway PD Statistics and Recent Incidents
Recent data from the Conway Police Department highlights the significant volume of activity and the persistent challenges faced by the agency, particularly in managing traffic and crime in a high-traffic area. The statistics for 2024 and the early outlook for 2025 reveal key areas of focus for law enforcement in the Mount Washington Valley.
Traffic and Accident Management
One of the most demanding aspects of policing in Conway is managing the flow of traffic, especially along major arteries like Route 16, which runs through the town center. The data underscores the critical nature of this challenge:
- 2024 Motor Vehicle Accidents: The department reported a total of 565 motor vehicle accidents in 2024.
- Fatal Crash Investigation: In a tragic incident in July 2024, Conway Police Officers responded to a fatal crash, requiring collaboration with the New Hampshire State Police to conduct a thorough investigation.
Arrests and Court Activity
The department remains highly active in law enforcement and criminal investigations. The total number of arrests serves as a key performance indicator of police activity and proactive enforcement:
- 2025 Total Arrests: The total number of arrests logged for 2025 is 649 (likely a year-to-date or projected figure, indicating a high operational tempo).
- Court Cases and Incident Logs: The CPD regularly processes cases through the Conway Circuit Court. Recent logs, as published in March 2025, detail a variety of logged incidents handled by Conway police dispatchers and officers.
- Federal Collaboration: The CPD has recently been involved in major investigations, including a Violent Crime Initiative that led to federal sentencing for individuals arrested in Conway, New Hampshire, demonstrating collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice to remove dangerous felons from the community.
Innovative Programs and Community-Focused Initiatives
Beyond traditional policing, the Conway Police Department has established several specialized units and community outreach programs that demonstrate a commitment to modern, compassionate, and proactive law enforcement. These initiatives are designed to increase topical authority and provide specific services tailored to the needs of the Conway community.
The K9 Unit: K9 Summit and MPO Sterl
One of the most popular and effective entities within the CPD is the K9 Unit, featuring the dual-purpose K9 named Summit. Summit is a female Belgian Malinois and is partnered with Master Patrol Officer Morganne Sterl. The introduction of Summit marked the return of a K9 program to the department, the first since 2004, and she is trained for both tracking and apprehension. Summit has quickly become a community favorite, even serving as the grand marshal for a Fourth of July parade.
Technology and Specialized Services
- Drone Program: The CPD operates a modern, mission-driven Drone Program. This technology is utilized for various applications, including search and rescue operations, accident reconstruction, and gathering critical aerial data during major incidents.
- Accident Reconstruction: The department maintains specialized personnel and equipment for Accident Reconstruction, which is essential for investigating the high volume of motor vehicle accidents that occur in the area.
- School Resource Officer (SRO): A dedicated SRO is assigned to work directly with school staff and students, enforcing laws, providing mentorship, and ensuring a safe learning environment. The Chief of Police is NASRO Certified (National Association of School Resource Officers).
- Animal Control: The CPD also manages Animal Control services, addressing issues related to domestic and wild animals within the town limits.
Project Good Morning: Senior Outreach
The "Project Good Morning" initiative is a prime example of the CPD's dedication to its senior residents. This program is designed to provide welfare checks and other essential services to senior residents of the community, offering reassurance and maintaining a daily connection with those who may be isolated or vulnerable.
Career Opportunities and Public Access to Information
The Conway Police Department is actively engaged in recruiting and hiring, seeking both sworn officers and civilian support staff to maintain its operational readiness. The department strives to be an employer of choice in the New Hampshire law enforcement community.
Hiring and Salary Information
The department is currently hiring for various positions, including full-time police officers. The entry-level salary for a full-time Police Officer in Conway, NH, is advertised at approximately $28.81 per hour, or an average annual salary of around $61,030 as of late 2025, a competitive wage for the region. The CPD seeks individuals committed to its mission of excellence and community partnership.
Police Blotter and Public Records
For residents and media seeking transparency and information on police activity, the Conway Police Department offers several avenues for public access:
- Calls for Service Log: The department provides the option for website visitors to view a log of their Calls for Service from the past seven days, offering a near real-time look at police activity.
- Accident Reports: While the CPD maintains detailed records, accident reports are not considered public records due to the Driver Privacy Act (NH RSA 260:14). Access to these records is restricted to specific parties as defined by state law.
- Conway Police Log: Local media, such as the *Conway Daily Sun*, regularly publishes detailed logs of incidents handled by the department, providing a consistent public record of daily police activity.
The Conway NH Police Department continues to evolve, using a blend of traditional community policing and modern technology to serve its unique and dynamic New Hampshire community. With a strong focus on leadership, specialized units like the K9 team, and essential community programs, the CPD is firmly positioned to meet the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
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