By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
PITTSBURG – For the last six months of 2025, the Northern Border Alliance made almost 600 stops including vehicles, OHRVs and pedestrians, six arrests, responded to 45 emergency calls, issued 16 citations and made one assist for Border Patrol, according to a report made public Wednesday by the state Department of Safety.
The alliance also was involved in one pursuit, encountered one stolen vehicle, conducted 17 criminal investigations and issued 129 warnings.
“It is important to note that although the reporting period was from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, enforcement efforts were delayed until the Northern Border Alliance funds were allocated. The New Hampshire State Police patrols resumed in September while all other partners resumed patrols in December of 2025,” the report said.
The alliance includes local law enforcement agents from the North Country who are helping to protect the border area with Canada within 25 air miles of the border at Pittsburg.
It has been a controversial issue with some groups saying it is unnecessary and costly.https://indepthnh.org/2024/08/01/aclu-nh-questions-spending-on-northern-border-after-new-data-shows-zero-encounters/
The idea for the alliance came from former Republican Gov. Chris Sununu.
A letter from Robert L. Quinn, commissioner of Safety to Gov. Kelly Ayotte and elected leaders outlines the activities of the alliance, and the costs associated with the coverage.
It states that legislation last year allowed for $600,000 to be appropriated and when carried forward, the balance of $325,529 was considered in the total available funding amount of $925,529.
Expenditures included State Police overtime of about $137,000 and over $50,000 in equipment.
From July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, state, county, and local agencies participated in a total of 92 patrol shifts, equivalent to 912.5 hours of law enforcement patrols.
The six arrests were related to two for Possession and Sale of a Controlled Drug, two arrests for Assault, one arrest for operating after revocation or suspension and misuse of plates and one arrest for operating without a valid license.
The report shows that the alliance had 432 OHRV and pedestrian contacts including community caretaking, and 153 motor vehicle stops.
“The Northern Border Alliance initiative continues to be a force multiplier while addressing and responding to all threats, all crimes, and all hazards covered by the initiative. The partnership continues to provide an additional law enforcement presence in northern Coos County, allows for increased collaboration between all partner agencies, and reduces response time for emergency calls for service,” Quinn wrote.