Well-known and popular with residents of the community, Eugene F. "Skip" O'Brien would become the next chief.  Chief O'Brien had served as a New Hampshire State Trooper, assigned to the Keene barracks for several years prior to his appointment.  In 1984 the police department moved from its basement quarters at the Town Office to the former Jaffrey Fire Station on River Street.  One garage bay was left intact, the other converted into offices and holding cells.

Called a temporary move at the time, the building would serve as the police station for the next 12 years.  Chief O'Brien resigned in 1986.  His sergeant, Clinton Simmons, served as acting chief until September 1, 1987.

Outspoken and dynamic, David T. Barrett was Chief O'Brien's successor.  He had worked in California and New Hampshire law enforcement environments before coming to us.  A more sophisticated style of policing was evident under his tenure, different from what Jaffrey had experienced before.  The department grew to a total of 11 full-time officers, supplemented by part-time officers, two full-time desk officers, and an animal control officer during his tenure.  He believed in bringing people through the ranks in the department, and upon his resignation in 1992 was proud that his successor would be the man he appointed as lieutenant, Gary A. Phillips.

In March 1996 the police department moved from its quarters in the old firehouse to the former Town Office building on Memorial Square.  The department occupies the entire building, which was renovated into a state-of-the-art police station, yet still retains small-town charm.  Among the decorative touches are a painting of the department shoulder patch done by a Franklin Pierce College art student and a mural, created by Conant High School students, depicting the locations of the department since 1955.

Chief Phillips resigned his post in March 1997 and was succeeded by Robert A. Pelio, a native of Long Island, New York, had been a member of the department since 1985 and worked his way up the ranks of the department.  He is best known for his thorough and aggressive investigation of child abuse and domestic violence crimes.  Chief Pelio is well-educated, highly respected, and always mindful of the community's needs both now and for the future.

Chief Robert A. Pelio

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Chief Pelio was instrumental in bringing about a change in the way district court cases are handled for the Jaffrey and Peterborough police departments.  After several months of intensive study and meetings between the leaders of both communities, the decision to hire a police prosecutor was made.  Tracy A. Connolly, an attorney with the Rockingham County Attorney's office, was chosen from a field of talented candidates.  Attorney Connolly prosecuted cases for both towns, and in October 1998 she assumed the same duties for the Dublin Police Department.  Shortly thereafter Attorney Connolly was replaced with Attorney David Park, a former Cheshire County Attorney.   In 2001 the Rindge Police Department  joined the "regional prosecutor program".  This included a full-time legal secretary and as of May 2002 an additional secretary was hired for 10 hours a week. 

During the later part of 2001 and beginning of 2002, the Jaffrey Police Department increased its efforts in community relations and community policing.  This included seminars and classes to area residents and businesses covering topics from shoplifting and fake identifications, alcohol and drug recognition, driver education for senior citizens and self-defense classes.  The first "Police Trading Cards" were also implemented and have been extremely successful, especially with the youth.  

In May 2002, the Jaffrey Police Department took a huge jump into the technology world by installing computers and the necessary software in the cruisers and communications center allowing the officers to talk to each other via e-mail and to run motor vehicle records while in the field.  This has significantly enhanced their ability to perform their job safer and more effectively.

In June 2002, Chief Pelio retired from the department after serving 20 years in law enforcement.  He is replaced by Chief Martin Dunn who comes to the department from New Jersey with 28 years of police experience in a diversity of assignments. He has been very active with coordinating Community Policing projects, especially school based or youth programs.

Chief Martin J. Dunn

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Chief Dunn immediately became active in community projects as a means of becoming familiar with residents and business persons, and soliciting their input.  He became a familiar face at various fundraisers and community service activities.

Chief Dunn expanded efforts to improve technology within the department.  Mobile computers were installed in all cruisers allowing officers to instantly access criminal records, along with portable cell phones they could take with them on calls for service.  A four-wheel drive vehicle was acquired to assist with responding to calls during winter weather challenges.  That vehicle was also adapted for use as a mobile command center.  A new telephone / radio recording device, in house video recording system and computers were also acquired.

In September 2003 the Jaffrey Police Department hosted its first Citizen's Police Academy.  This consisted of 10 citizens who attended an 11 week program involving classes on patrol tactics, DWI recognition, evidence recovery and processing, criminal procedures, handcuffing and defensive tactics, demonstrations by NH State Police K9 and SWAT Units and a tour to the Cheshire County House of Corrections, as well as other areas of training.  This was hopefully the first of many in what turned out to be a very successful program geared towards bridging the gap between police and citizens.  This program was established and organized by Sgt. Feyrer.

In December 2003, Sgt. Steven Reynolds retired after 22 years of service.  He was active in the DARE program and served as the department's School Resource Officer for several years.

Officers received new service weapons and bullet proof vests in 2004, replacing guns that were more than 15 years old and vests that had questionable reliability.  All officers were issued personal safety equipment and provided with additional firearms proficiency training.  Chief Dunn's participatory style of management maximized the departments potential to improve through encouraging employee satisfaction and including them in the decision making process.

Career development was also a focus of Chief Dunn as a means of expanding officers' performance capabilities and job satisfaction.  Officers received additional opportunities for advanced training offered through sources beyond the state of New Hampshire.

In 2005, after earning a law degree, Lt. Carpenter transferred to the Regional Prosecution Program to perform those duties fulltime. Sgt. Oswalt was promoted to Lt. and assumed the roll of 'second in command'. Sgt. Feyrer resigned to accept an appointment as chief of police in another agency and Sgt. S. Dunn left soon after to serve with him. Ptlm. Prince and Tucker were promoted to Sergeant to fill those openings. 

Chief Dunn acquired more than $80,000.00 in grant funding during the year. Much of it was used to replace aging equipment in police cruisers and further advance technological capabilities, while minimizing the tax burden on Jaffrey residents. New state of the art RADAR units and light bars were installed in all cruisers. Cruisers were also equipped with the Project 54 technology allowing officers to activate police equipment in the cruisers by voice, thus enhancing officer safety. The mobile data terminals in the cruisers were also upgraded with new computers. 

A mobile speed trailer was also acquired through grant funds as a means of increasing highway safety in Jaffrey. Having this instrument allowed officers to alert large numbers of motorists of the speeds their vehicles were traveling so they could adjust them when necessary.

Today's Jaffrey Police Department has evolved into a department proud of being a vital part of the community, embracing proactive rather than reactive policies.  The department is active in youth programs, foot and bicycle patrols, interaction with other civic groups, and traditional law enforcement.  The department has conducted many investigations into major criminal cases.  The department is known as one of the best in New Hampshire and counts among its ranks officers who regularly teach at the New Hampshire Police Academy, Franklin Pierce College, and are leaders in the fields of investigation of child abuse, domestic violence, youth aid, drug crimes, school violence, and other areas.

In May 2004 the Jaffrey Police Department became that much more professional and proud by obtaining its first dress uniforms in over twenty years.  These were worn for the first time on Police Memorial Day, May 10, 2004.

Pictured left to right: Officer Scott Perrine, Detective Scott Dunn, Chief Martin Dunn, Sergeant Todd Feyrer, Lieutenant Richard Carpenter