Chief Joel Dolan reports that the Salem Police Department, in the interest of full transparency with the community, is proactively releasing an independent investigative report into a response by officers in June 2024.
On June 28, 2024, the Salem Police Department responded to reports of a party at a home in the community involving a number of teenagers. During its response officers issued citations to a number of attendees based upon its on-scene investigation.
Last fall, a former Salem Deputy Police Chief alleged that officers or supervisors involved in the response violated departmental policies by contacting Deputy Chief Shane Smith about the party response, and that Deputy Chief Smith offered to cover up certain circumstances regarding the party.
To avoid any appearance of impropriety or bias, the Salem Police Department hired Municipal Resources Inc., a well-regarded private investigative firm, to review the allegations and evidence. Third-party investigations allow police agencies to receive a full and fair review of police activities and maintain the public’s trust.
MRI interviewed all Department employees working that night, including civilians, officers working their assigned shift, and sworn officers working paid details. MRI also reviewed body camera video from all officers who were working, as well as cell phone records of Deputy Chief Smith and his family.
As part of seeking an independent review, Chief Dolan committed to accepting the final determination of the investigators, protecting both the community and the officers’ rights.
“We took these allegations seriously,” said Chief Dolan. “The independent investigator reviewed dispatch logs and phone records, interviewed officers and supervisors, and reviewed relevant body camera footage and determined with certainty that the allegations are unfounded. There was no impropriety on the part of officers who responded to the incident, nor was there any impropriety on the part of Deputy Smith.
The complaint was also reviewed by the Public Integrity Unit (PIU) of the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office and the New Hampshire Police Academy Conduct Review Committee. Both agencies determined there was no indication of wrongdoing.
“We are releasing the final report to maintain transparency and trust with the community we work for proudly,” Chief Dolan said.
To view or download the investigative report, click here.