Bill > HB1001

This bill allows county attorneys in New Hampshire to appoint investigators with full law enforcement powers, subject to certain conditions. Specifically, these investigators must be appointed with approval from county commissioners and must be either already certified or eligible for certification as police officers under state law. The investigators will have statewide law enforcement authority and will be considered peace officers, but they must achieve and maintain certification through the police standards and training council or risk removal. The bill clarifies that these investigators will report directly to the county attorney and that the county attorney will have sole operational control over them. Additionally, the bill maintains the existing ability of county attorneys to also appoint investigators without law enforcement powers. The new provision will take effect 60 days after its passage, and the appointments are contingent on available county budget appropriations. This change appears designed to give county attorneys more investigative resources and direct oversight of their investigative staff.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1478&inflect=2