[Airwaves]

Now that you have read the article, here is my initial post in response to the link to the article provided by Ramjet:

RamJet:
Much of the article you linked supports exactly my concerns re: the posting of "lifeonthefarm"

So, here is the first problem, New Hampshire does not take this seriously!
1. Quote:
Barrett said the Marine Patrol doesn't receive any money from the state's general fund.

I'm guessing that Barrett's statement makes long time NH residents proud, but it scares the Hell out of me!

The second issue, the great pay! Like I said, less than $600 a week or more than $2,000 a week? HMM that's a tough one! And gee, no bennies!
Quote:
Seasonal officers are paid $14.60 per hour and do not receive health benefits or a retirement pension.


Opps, I guess I'm not the only one who noticed that good seasonal MP officers want to feed their families!
Quote:
Oftentimes, Barrett said the Marine Patrol has a difficult time retaining good officers because they receive the same law enforcement certification as police officers upon completion, and often leave the state agency for full-time jobs with other departments...."A good candidate for us is also a good candidate for another law enforcement agency," Barrett said.



HMM..so what does that leave us for next season? Oh yeah, those Rent-a-cop and High School grads out of work.

So the 65 to 70 officers left are statewide, not just on Winni! How's that for 24/7 coverage? Just look back on the "they get NO state funding" for your answer!

Quote:
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Dunleavy said 65 to 70 Marine Patrol officers will work full-time during the day on the state's water bodies. They will also work some night shifts on larger bodies of water like Lake Winnipesaukee.


New Hampshire is apparently good at considering laws, passing laws but fall flat when it comes to follow through. Not surprising.

BTW, In the Foster's article it stated the seasonal "officers" went through classroom and on the water training, and that is excellent. It did not mention that they went to a police academy as "lifeonthefarm" stated.

Do I sound annoyed? You bet your ASS I am! I have to cut a substantial check twice a year to NH for our place at the lake! That check is unbelievable for what is there! Yep, I'm taxed because I have a good "view" as well, but apparently the state is more concerned that I pay for what is outside of my window, and they are not concerned about my well being on the water?????!!!!!

New Hampshire does not fund the MP! The FEDS do! (read that USCG) They also get some FEDERAL gasoline tax revenue....but NO STATE FUNDING! Yeah I'm PISSED!!!

$3-point-5 million a year for the entire state operation! My community's police department's budget is more than that and my community is about 10 square miles, not the entire state of NH!