5 Major Changes Redefining The Concord Police Department NH In 2026
The Concord Police Department (CPD) in New Hampshire is currently undergoing one of the most significant periods of transformation in its modern history, marked by a massive infrastructure project and a pivotal leadership transition. As of December 22, 2025, the department is preparing for the imminent retirement of its long-serving Chief while simultaneously managing a multi-million dollar construction initiative designed to meet the demands of a growing city and evolving public safety landscape. This confluence of events—from a major new police headquarters to active recruitment efforts—makes 2026 a watershed year for law enforcement in the state capital.
The core mission of the CPD remains focused on proactive community-driven policing and maintaining law and order across Concord and Merrimack County. However, the operational reality is defined by a critical need for modernization and staffing. With a new $41 million facility on the horizon and the challenges of maintaining a full complement of sworn staff, the department is actively laying the groundwork for the next generation of public safety services in New Hampshire.
Leadership, Organization, and the Future of the Chief's Office
The most immediate and impactful change facing the Concord Police Department is the upcoming transition in its top leadership. After 36 years of dedicated service to the community, Chief of Police Bradley Osgood is set to retire in January. This announcement marks the end of an era and initiates a critical search for the next leader who will guide the department through its next phase of growth and modernization.
While the successor to Chief Osgood is yet to be officially named, the day-to-day operations are currently managed through a robust organizational structure. This hierarchy is essential for maintaining a coordinated response across the city and includes key figures in administrative and support roles.
- Chief of Police: Bradley Osgood (Retiring January 2026)
- Deputy Chief - Administration: Steven Smagula
- Deputy Chief - Support Services: Barrett Moulton
- Staffing Goals: The department aims to maintain a force of 90 full-time police officers, but is currently struggling to maintain its sworn staff, leading to active recruitment efforts.
- Recruitment Focus: The CPD, like many departments nationwide, is focused on hiring intelligent, mature, and community-minded candidates to fill vacant positions and address ongoing staffing shortages.
The Deputy Chiefs and the Office of the Chief of Police are crucial during this transition period, ensuring continuity in service and the implementation of major projects, such as the new headquarters and the ongoing management of the 2025 Operating Budget.
The $41 Million Transformation: A New Police Headquarters
The most tangible sign of the CPD's modernization is the City Council’s approval of a substantial $41 million budget to construct a new police station. This project is not merely a renovation but a complete replacement of the existing facility, which no longer meets the current public safety needs of Concord.
The new police headquarters, located at 4 Bouton Street, is a necessity driven by operational and demographic shifts within the department. The planned 52,000 square foot facility will be more than double the size of the current headquarters.
Key details of the new facility and project timeline:
- Cost and Approval: Approved with a $41 million budget, including a substantial $38.4 million allocation for the headquarters itself.
- Design and Construction: Design work is well underway, reaching 60% design development. Interior demolition of the existing building has already started and will continue through the fall.
- Expanded Capacity: The new building is specifically designed to accommodate the growing number of female officers, providing safer and more secure facilities, and will also house the City Prosecutor's office.
- Project Intent: The move is intended to provide a modern, secure, and efficient base of operations for law enforcement, allowing the CPD to better serve the community and address contemporary public safety challenges.
Active Investigations and Proactive Community Policing
The Concord Police Department remains highly active on the front lines of crime fighting, often collaborating with the New Hampshire Attorney General's office on major cases. A significant example of this ongoing work is the high-profile homicide investigation from October 2025.
The investigation into the shooting death of a woman, Ms. Collins, near a tent site in Concord, was officially ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. While the investigation remains ongoing, the CPD has worked diligently to follow all leads, including locating a potential witness. This case highlights the complex and demanding nature of law enforcement in the city, particularly concerning public safety near vulnerable populations.
In addition to major case work, the CPD is deeply committed to community policing initiatives, which are central to its operational philosophy. These programs are managed by the Community Resource Unit and are designed to build trust and foster communication between officers and residents.
Key Community Outreach Programs
- Coffee with a Cop: A popular program aimed at improving police-community relationships by providing an informal setting for conversation and connection.
- Police Bicycle Unit: Established in 1996, this unit is dedicated to pro-active, community-driven policing, allowing officers to patrol areas inaccessible by car and engage more directly with residents.
- Ride Along Program: Offers community members a chance to observe the daily demands and responsibilities of a Concord police officer firsthand, balancing community outreach with the inherent risks of law enforcement.
- Crime Prevention: The Community Resource Unit organizes and promotes coordinated crime prevention programs, including initiatives focused on juvenile delinquency diversion and maintaining a communications network with the public.
The department’s commitment to transparency is further supported by the Concord Regional Crimeline, which allows citizens to anonymously report information related to crimes and ongoing investigations, providing a vital link between the public and the police.
As the Concord Police Department moves into 2026, the convergence of a new multi-million dollar headquarters, a leadership change, and continuous efforts to address staffing shortages defines its immediate future. These developments underscore the city’s investment in public safety and the department's dedication to modernizing its operations to better serve the residents of Concord, New Hampshire.
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