Up Close and Personal

UP CLOSE &

PERSONAL In the Field

Christopher Remillard

Do you know someone who deserves to be profiled in a future edition of New Hampshire Town and City magazine?

If so, please contact the New Hampshire Municipal Association at 603.224-7447 or tfortier@nhmunicipal.org. W elcome to Up Close and Personal – In the Field, a regular column in New Hampshire Town and City dedicated to giving readers a closer look at staff from New Hampshire municipalities and other political subdivisions. In this issue, we hope you enjoy meeting Christopher Remillard, Chief of Police in the Town of Dunbarton.

TC: What are your duties and responsibilities as Chief of Police?

CR: As Chief of Police, I am responsible for the overall efficiency and operations of the Department to include budgeting, training, recruitment and retention, and community relations. Because we’re a smaller agency, I also respond to calls for service and conduct criminal investigations so the workload is spread evenly throughout the Department. Above all else, my job is to serve and advocate for my co-workers by ensuring that they have the equipment, support and resources that they need to do their job safely and effectively.

TC: What is your biggest challenge in performing your duties?

CR: I was promoted from a Patrol Sergeant to Chief of Police in January, 2022. As a new Chief of Police, I am still trying to balance my administrative duties with my desire to still be out on patrol. It’s tough being stuck at a desk sifting through paperwork and e-mails on some days but I’m working on striking a healthy balance. I certainly don’t want to lose my proficiency in patrol operations, so that’s something that I’m trying to be constantly aware of.

TC: How has NHMA helped you to do your job?

CR: Throughout the years I have attended several NHMA workshops and trainings, all of which were extremely helpful. Legal Services has also been a very timely and important resource for a variety of legal questions.

TC: What is the public perception about your job and how does it differ from the reality of your job?

CR: I think, that by-and-large, there is a lot of support for law enforcement here in New Hampshire. We still sometimes face unrealistic expectations from the public because of what people see on TV; that often leads to a healthy discussion about police practices, policies and operations. I have certainly found that taking the time to explain why we do things a certain way, when appropriate, leads to a greater level of understanding in the community.

TC: Has your job changed the way you look at the role of government?

CR: I am very fortunate to work in a supportive community. From the Board of Selectmen to the Town Administrator, Department Heads, support staff, Town employees and elected officials, there is a culture of teamwork and collaboration. I enjoy going to Town Meeting, drafting a yearly budget, preparing our Annual Report submission, and participating in various committees and projects. Municipal operations are fascinating to me and I’m always looking to learn more.

TC: What lessons about human nature have you learned in your role?

CR: Perhaps the two biggest lessons that I’ve learned since working in law enforcement is that you truly never know what someone is going through in their personal life; be empathetic, caring and respectful of everyone you come in contact with. Another would be that you just never know what some people are capable of when they perceive that they are backed into a corner and have no other options.

TC: What advice would you give someone who would like to follow in your footsteps into this job?

CR: Take as much training as you can, even if it may not be a topic that you’re particularly excited about. Become well-rounded in not just law enforcement, but human resources and personnel management as well. I would also strongly advocate for continuing your education in management, business, public administration, etc.