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New
Hampshire State Police
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In 1931, a State Police Commission appointed by Governor Tobey and the Governorīs Council, presented a report to the legislature noting plainly recommended, ". . . that the present Legislature provide for the establishment of a State Force with full police powers, charged with the enforcement of all criminal laws." The Commission went on to recommend that the new agency be a ". . . separate and independent department . . ." which would encompass as many existing enforcement agencies as possible and be directed by a Superintendent appointed by the Governor and Governorīs Council. The State Police Commission also suggested that the consolidation include the twenty-two uniformed Motor Vehicle Department motorcycle officers employed at the time, the three inspectors of the Department of Weights and Measures, and the powers of the [State] Law Enforcement Department (which dealt with liquor laws). It was further suggested that the need for criminal investigators become a reality. Up to that point in time, most State (and County) criminal investigations were performed by private detective agencies. Therefore, the Commission recommended, ". . . that the Superintendent of the State Police be authorized . . . to create a State Detective Bureau, which shall maintain facilities for the detection of crime in the State." On February 2, 1937, Mr. F. P. Wadleigh, a legislator from Milford, introduced Bill No. 254 to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. This piece of legislation was part of the natural evolution of a process begun approximately sixty-eight years before. The Bill was entitled, "An Act Creating A Department of State Police. On June 29, 1937 the New Hampshire State Police was finally created. Thus, the Department of State Police became a Division of State Police within the newly created Department of Safety. The final effective date for the reorganization was July 1, 1962. Today, the men and women of the NHSP serve in 6 Troops located throughout the state, and as their motto states, are dedicated to providing the highest degree of law enforcement service throughout the State of New Hampshire while maintaining the traditions of fairness, professionalism and integrity.
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New Hampshire State Flag |
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 Pre-1937 New Hampshire Highway Department Patrolman plate. Approx. 6 1/2"x 14" Flat painted steel. Predecessor to the New Hampshire State Police |
We are looking for a picture showing
this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 Late 1930's - early 1940's issue Picture courtesy of Hap Moore Antiques Auctions |
 Picture courtesy of the New Hampshire State Police |
 c.1956-1961 issue- Made from cut-down unused NHSP license plate leftovers of previous issue to comply with new 1956 6" x 12"license plate dimensions standards. Lettering from older issue can be seen beneath the surface. |
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this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 Circa 1961 issue. 6" x 12" embossed aluminum with eight mounting holes. Number is large die. Issued to Deputy Director of NHSP. |
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for a picture showing this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 1962 issue- It is believed that these plates were mistakes as the white painted side is on the reverse, but they kept these "shiny" versions on NHSP cars until 1963 when they decided that white was a better background color. Squat number dies on this issue. Plate courtesy of the Robert Ward Collection |
 Painted background version Picture courtesy of the New Hampshire State Police |
 1963-1977 version. Small number dies similar to 1962 version |
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this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 1963-1977 issue- 100 Series= Epping Troop HQ- Large square dies. Dull sheeting. |
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 1977-1980 issue- 400 Series= Concord Troop HQ- Brighter sheeting- E of "STATE" directly under "OF" from top line. |
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this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 1980-Late 1995 issue. Assignment number under 100 indicates Headquarters vehicle. NEW HAMPSHIRE title line positioned between both circular bolt-holes. Lighter shade of green used. |
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 Late 1995-1996 crossover issue. Similar in material, format and color as previous issue however with longer "oval" bolt-holes. Courtesy of Bill Ceravola  |
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this type plate on duty.... Can you help us? |
 1996-1997 issue- 400 Series=Concord Troop HQ- STATE POLICE and number embossed low. Upper and lower legends silkscreened. Has state-shaped holograms with "96" running vertically down the center of the sheeting. Painted step border. |
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 1997-Current issue. 100 Series = Epping Troop HQ- state slogan added. Some issues still have the 1996 holograms running vertically down the center of the sheeting. Unpainted step border. |
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 2001 Combined Accident Reduction Effort conference souvenir motorcycle plate. |
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 Motorcycle plate-1936 Standard issue used |
 Picture courtesy of the New Hampshire State Police |
 Motorcycle plate - Current Issue |
 Picture courtesy of the New Hampshire State Police |
 Picture courtesy of Jay Weinstein |
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On May 1, 1915, the New Hampshire
Legislature passed legislation entitled: "An Act Creating the
Office of Commissioner of Motor Vehicles." This legislation helped
create the uniformed Motor Vehicle Highway Patrolmen. These individuals
enforced traffic laws at this time, and were the forerunners to
the modern day State Trooper. 
