PHOTO: LR: Attorney Marc Beaudoin; Carrie Blackwood.

SUMMARY: The Ossipee NH Selectmen meeting on May 16, 2025, convened a public hearing under NH RSA 41:48 to address Chief Donald Babbin’s recommendation to terminate Officer Carrie Blackwood, who requested a public session. Chairman Jonathan Smith outlined the show-cause format, allowing Blackwood to present evidence opposing the allegations, followed by the Chief’s rebuttal, and Blackwood’s response to the rebuttal, with no public input or cross-examination permitted.

Allegation 1: Farmington Incident (November 30, 2024) Blackwood responded to a Farmington PD BOLO for a known suspect in Carroll County, involving domestic violence and suicidal statements. She contacted the suspect, recorded the call, and negotiated his surrender at Frisbie Memorial Hospital for medical and mental health care, with approval from Sergeant Oswalt. She coordinated with dispatch and state police, who took initial custody. Blackwood assumed custody for an involuntary emergency admission (IEA), completed IEA paperwork, and did not question the suspect about the domestic violence incident or read Miranda rights, recording unsolicited statements. Farmington PD’s Officer Morton declined IEA paperwork, asking Blackwood to complete it. Captain Favorite filed a complaint alleging interference. Blackwood’s attorney, Marc Beaudoin, argued her actions were lawful under mutual aid statute RSA 105:13 and did not require Miranda.

Allegation 2: Evidence Room Security (December 2024) Blackwood, tasked with evidence room management, posted a Snapchat photo of file boxes in the evidence room, with blurry firearms visible. Sergeant Oswalt informed her of Chief Babbin’s displeasure, and she received verbal counseling, agreeing not to repeat the action.

Allegation 3: Facebook Engagement (December 31, 2024) Blackwood posted about a New Year’s Eve saturation patrol on the Ossipee PD’s Facebook page, responding to comments from her personal account due to technical issues with the department’s account. After personal attacks, she disabled comments on the post but did not ban users. A complaint prompted Sergeant Oswalt to ask her to unblock the complainant, which she clarified was not possible. The Chief’s attempt to access the account led to it being locked.

Allegation 4: Failure to Secure Evidence (February 14, 2025) Blackwood seized a small amount of marijuana, placed it in a tamper-evident evidence bag, and left it on her desk, forgetting it due to other tasks. Chief Babbin secured it, and Blackwood retrieved it after notifying Sergeant Oswalt, securing it for destruction. No discipline was issued.

Allegation 5: Failure to Secure Evidence (March 8, 2025) Blackwood seized a suspected narcotic, placed it in a tamper-evident evidence bag, and left it on her desk while responding to an emergency call. The station was locked. Chief Babbin found it, and Corporal French secured it. Blackwood was informed of the Chief’s displeasure but received no discipline. Additional Context On April 9, 2025, Blackwood met with Chief Babbin, Lieutenant Ripley, and Sergeant Oswalt to discuss the allegations without prior notice of an internal investigation, Garrity rights, a representative, or recording. On April 29, 2025, she was placed on administrative leave and asked to surrender department property, receiving partial documentation. Beaudoin argued for exoneration on the Farmington incident, verbal counseling for Snapchat and Facebook issues, a written warning for the first evidence incident, and a one-day suspension for the second, citing lack of due process, no evaluations in two years, and no progressive discipline.

Demetrio F. Aspiras III’s Comments (Town Attorney Representing Chief Babbin) Demetrio F. Aspiras III, representing the town and Chief Babbin, addressed Blackwood’s claim that some documents were not provided before administrative leave, stating this hearing was the due process, and Blackwood had sufficient time to prepare, offering a pause if needed. He clarified that the hearing was not an arbitration or grievance process, as Blackwood was not unionized, and the board’s role was to determine if cause existed for termination under RSA 41:48, not to review or overturn specific findings. Aspiras argued the standard was “for cause,” not “just cause,” distinguishing it from cases involving collective bargaining agreements. He emphasized that the board had investigation reports and the Chief’s summary to review. Aspiras argued the Farmington incident violated policy, as Blackwood’s departure from Ossipee was unnecessary, dispatch already knew the suspect’s suicidal ideation, and taking custody from state police was unwarranted. He noted Blackwood’s questioning about the suspect’s injuries, potentially related to the domestic violence incident, violated Miranda by not reading rights before questioning. He cited Captain Favorite’s email stating no need for Blackwood’s physical involvement beyond a phone call. Aspiras acknowledged the Snapchat and Facebook incidents were conceded as improper but focused on the evidence incidents, highlighting Blackwood’s admission of leaving marijuana and a potentially dangerous substance (possibly heroin or fentanyl) unsecured on her desk, despite prior counseling, as serious policy violations. He explained the delay in action due to an AG investigation into the Farmington incident, which found no criminal conduct, and argued RSA 41:48 allowed termination for policy violations without requiring immediate leave or decertification. Aspiras stated the evidence incidents alone provided sufficient cause, and Chief Babbin had nothing further to add, being available for questions, which the board did not pose.

Beaudoin’s Rebuttal Beaudoin countered that the board, as the Chief’s employer, could overturn findings as part of Blackwood’s appellate rights. He argued the town’s handbook required “just cause,” disputed Miranda violations, and emphasized the evidence was in tamper-proof bags in a locked station, not warranting termination. He noted the AG’s investigation dismissed the Farmington incident quickly without interviewing Blackwood, and the Chief’s failure to address other incidents earlier was unfair.

Entrance into Non-Public Session At 10:20 AM, Chairman Smith closed the hearing and moved to enter a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(a) to deliberate on the termination recommendation.

Decision After Deliberation At 11:13 AM, the board re-entered the public meeting. Chairman Smith stated that the board deliberated for an hour in a difficult and complex discussion. The board decided to terminate Officer Blackwood’s employment, effective immediately. The meeting adjourned at 11:14 AM.