To the editor:

(On Sunday), the Portsmouth Police and Fire departments held open houses at their respective stations. To say that the facilities these dedicated employees work in are inadequate is a gross understatement. Although both departments need replacement, the police department is in dire need and should be addressed immediately. I was stunned at how the department functions under such shoddy conditions.

The current police department building was erected over 40 years ago. In 1995 an addition brought the size to approximately 4,800 square feet. Forty years ago, the town’s population was approximately 7,000 as opposed to a population now of 17,000. We currently have 35 full-time police officers and two civilian employees, nearly double what the force was when the building opened. This building was not designed to be co-ed, with female employees using a cramped locker room not much bigger than a walk-in closet in most modern-day homes. 

The entire facility is woefully ill-equipped to serve modern police department functions. As an example, computer equipment is placed with feet of a water heater. Many of the issues conflict with federal standards including the cell blocks and handicapped accessibility.

I strongly urge my fellow residents to vote on Nov. 8 and to approve the building of the proposed 22,000-square-foot police department. The size and design is not extravagant and will serve the needs of Portsmouth for years to come. 

Beverly A. Dowty

2651 East Main Road

Portsmouth