By Rod Hansen
Staff Writer

Problems in response time and coverage have prompted the New Boston police chief to seek two new officers and one new vehicle.

“We’re not a full-service agency,” said Police Chief Chris Krajenka, noting that the force currently operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with officers from State Police Troop B in Milford covering the off hours.

“The common complaint I hear from citizens is that they’re not happy with response time,” Krajenka said.

The addition of two new officers and a new vehicle would allow the department to start its first shift at 6 a.m., Krajenka said. Officers could then monitor speeding on problem thoroughfares such as Bedford, River, Weare, Mont Vernon and Francestown roads, he said.

“Those are our five main arteries that people are complaining about in the morning, especially during school pickup times,” he said.

The additional officers would also be able to extend some weekend shifts until 2 a.m., he said. This could be especially useful if a proposed sports bar addition to the New Boston Tavern opens with its scheduled closing hours of 1:30 a.m. on weekends.

Krajenka said base pay for an inexperienced officer starts at an hourly wage of $15.50, with a cap of $20.

“Those figures are being looked at to make sure we can attract officers who are educated and that we can keep here in town,” Krajenka said.

“It’s one thing to attract officers, but you don’t want your agency to become a training ground,” he said.

Krajenka said he has already discussed the proposal with selectmen and is currently working with Town Administrator Burton Reynolds on budget figures. The chief said he hopes to have the proposal ready to appear as an article on the town warrant in March.