A Legacy of Service
The New Hampshire State Police traces its origins to 1869, when the seeds of a statewide law enforcement agency were first planted. What began as a single piece of hand-written legislation grew — over decades — into one of the most respected state police organizations in the country.
The First Legislation
On July 9, 1869, Governor Stearns was presented with handwritten legislation entitled "An Act to Create a State Police in Certain Cases." Driven largely by the failure of local authorities to enforce liquor laws, the bill was the first formal attempt to establish a statewide police force.
The proposed legislation ultimately failed to secure the required two-thirds backing from male voters — but it did not kill the idea. Public interest remained strong, and the movement to create a State Police only grew from there.
The State Police Commission Report
The "Report of State Police Commission to the Legislature" was presented to the January 1931 session. It made a compelling case: the growth of highways and the universal use of the automobile had outpaced the capabilities of local law enforcement.
The Commission recommended establishing a State Detective Bureau — ending the era of private detective agencies handling criminal investigations — and a Bureau of Records and Identification to manage criminal statistics, fingerprinting, and revolver permits statewide.
The NH State Police Is Born
After many amendments, readings, and votes, Bill No. 254 — "An Act Creating a Department of State Police" — finally passed. On June 29, 1937, the New Hampshire State Police became Chapter 134 of the Laws of New Hampshire, effective July 1, 1937. New Hampshire was the 15th state police organization in the United States.
Headquarters was established in the State House. The first troopers were drawn from the uniformed branch of the NH Motor Vehicle Department and criminal investigators from the State Attorney General's office. The first Superintendent was George Colbath, Sheriff of Coos County.
By the end of 1937, an authorized complement of 48 troopers had been assembled — patrolling on Harley Davidson motorcycles and a handful of Chevrolet sedans across five Troops, supported by General Headquarters bureaus for administration, criminal identification, traffic, and teletype.
Department of Safety
In 1962, the New Hampshire State Police became a division of the newly formed New Hampshire Department of Safety. That same year, the patch and badge were updated to reflect the new assignment — now featuring the State Seal with the Frigate Raleigh.
Since its inception, the division has grown to approximately 400 sworn personnel and developed numerous highly specialized units — a testament to the vision and sacrifice of those original 48 troopers.