Firearms Survey New Hampshire

Information Updated November 7, 2005

Juvenile Probation and Parole

Within the Executive Branch of State Government, the Department for Health and Human Services, Division for Juvenile Justice Services, oversees the supervision of juvenile probation and parole officers (JPPOs). Juvenile Probation and Parole Supervisors oversee the daily operations of the field offices. The Division for Juvenile Justice Services also administers the secure detention unit, the secure Youth Development Center and the statewide school for educationally disabled students.

JPPOs supervise juveniles referred to the DJJS by the district or family division courts. They also provide supervision for juveniles released on parole by the Juvenile Parole Board from the Youth Development Center. In New Hampshire, there are also Juvenile Probation and Parole Assistants (JPPAs) that provide similar services as JPPO’s, but on an entry level. They do no typically supervise juveniles placed on parole. These JPPA positions provide a career track to becoming a JPPO.

The JPPOs do not carry a firearm. Are not classified as peace officers but do have the power to arrest or take into custody minors committing delinquent acts.

There is a Department of Health & Human Services policy that prohibits all officers from carrying a firearm. At the time of the survey, it was not under consideration to allow the officers to carry a firearm.

There are no private companies providing supervision services.

Adult Probation and Parole

In New Hampshire, adult parole and adult probation services are provided by the Department of Corrections, Division of Field Services within the Executive Branch of government. Minors reach majority at age 17.

It is mandatory for all adult probation and parole officers to carry a firearm. They are not classified as peace officers. They have the power to arrest probationers, parolees and anyone who may interfere with the officers performing their duties. Psychological testing is done prior to being hired. New Hampshire’s firearm policy was instituted around 1985.

The New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council certify probation and parole officers. In order to obtain certification, probation and parole officers must complete an eight-week corrections academy, a law package instructed by Police Standards and Training Council, a probation/parole curriculum, and must qualify with a firearm. Probation and parole trainees are assigned a Field Training Officer and the certification process takes about a year to complete.

In order to maintain certification, officers must take an annual four-hour firearm safety class, qualify with their firearm annually and attend a skill building range annually which may include low-light shooting, moving targets, shoot/don't shoot scenarios, speed reloading, etc. Practice ranges are provided. Annual training includes CPR, sexual harassment, defensive tactics, and suicide prevention. Officers carry “OC” and are re-certified every two years.

Officers are issued a 9mm, which is provided by the state. Officers hired prior to the mid-nineties have been grand fathered in and may carry their own choice of firearm. In 2005, New Hampshire began converting to department issued .40 caliber handguns statewide. The conversion is planned to be completed in 2006.

There are no private companies providing adult probation or parole supervision.

For updates or corrections to the information on this page, please contact: Diane Kincaid