SEIZED VEHICLE TO BE PUT TO POSITIVE USE IN THE NH DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

(Laconia, NH) Mrs. Les Dolecal, Acting Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, announced that a recently seized vehicle will be put into use to improve security at one facility at no additional cost to New Hampshire taxpayers.

In June 2003, New Hampshire Department of Corrections Probation/Parole Officers apprehended a parolee in Manchester on a drug-related violation. A 1998 Lincoln Navigator and $2,165 in cash were seized. In April 2004 the U.S. District Court issued an amended final order of forfeiture, releasing the items to the NH-DOC. Acting Commissioner Dolecal assigned the vehicle to the Lakes Region Facility in Laconia to routinely monitor the secure perimeter. It will replace an older vehicle.

"The use of this vehicle will benefit the taxpayers of this state and provide the Lakes Region Facility with a reliable vehicle to help carry out assorted security functions," Acting Commissioner Dolecal said.

The Manchester District Office will be assigned an existing department vehicle with lower mileage from the Lakes Region Facility.

"We want the public to know this vehicle came to us due to the dedicated work of Probation/Parole Officers Mark O'Donoghue and Scott Harrington of Manchester. It is not the typical vehicle we all associate with state agencies but we will use it effectively at a prison in need of a vehicle," Acting Commissioner Dolecal concluded.

The Lincoln Navigator will be outfitted with an official NH-DOC seal and other necessary equipment will be installed for use at the prison.