Crime & Safety

Salem Deputy Police Chief Target Of Criminal Probe

The New Hampshire Attorney General's office is investigating Salem Deputy Police Chief Robert Morin.

SALEM, NH — The state Attorney General's office has opened a criminal investigation into Salem Deputy Police Chief Robert Morin. Details of the probe were withheld. Morin is the department's highest-ranking officer after Police Chief Paul Donovan retired last month following a clash with town officials.

"Because this investigation is active and ongoing I am unable to provide you with any additional information at this time concerning the nature of the criminal investigation," Senior Assistant Attorney General Geoffrey Ward wrote in a letter to Salem officials last week. "Should the investigation expand further to include other current or former officers with the Salem Police Department you will be provided with similar notice."

A recent town audit released in November detailed apparent issues with the police department, ranging from Town Manager Chris Dillon's claim that police management had a "complete and utter disregard" for his authority, to "completely inappropriate" Facebook posts by officers, to inadequate record keeping of officers' schedules.

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Donovan said he disagreed with some of the allegations.

"(The Salem police) culture is inclusive, collegial and respectful to those inside and outside the department," Donovan wrote in a response to the audit. "I have worked hard to foster an environment of mutual courtesy and respect. But I understand there is always room for improvement."

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dillon appointed Brian Pattullo as a civilian administrator to help lead the department and find a replacement for Donovan. Ward said the Attorney General's office opened an investigation into the police department following the release of the audit.

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