Security Advisory 

We have been made aware of phishing attempts and emails that claim to be from a Strafford County staff member. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics to trick you into revealing personal information, downloading malicious software, or making fraudulent payments. By staying vigilant and following some simple tips, you can safeguard your personal and financial information from these threats.

Tips to Prevent Phishing and Email Scams

1. Be Skeptical of Unexpected Emails:
   • If you receive an email from an unknown sender or an unexpected message from a known contact, be cautious. Verify the sender’s identity through a separate communication channel if necessary.
2. Check Email Addresses Carefully:
   • Phishers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Pay attention to slight misspellings or extra characters in the email address.
3. Avoid Clicking on Links or Downloading Attachments:
   • Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails. Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking, and only download attachments from trusted sources.
4. Look for Red Flags:
   • Be aware of common phishing tactics, such as urgent requests, threats, or too-good-to-be-true offers. Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for sensitive information via email.
5. Educate Yourself and Others:
   • Stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and share this knowledge with friends, family, and colleagues to help them stay protected as well.

• By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing and email scams and help keep your personal information secure.

WELCOME TO STRAFFORD COUNTY, NH!

Welcome to the Strafford County website. Whether you are a current, past, or prospective resident, we hope you enjoy your visit to our virtual home.

County Functions and Responsibilities

The County is currently responsible for: Caring for the elderly in need of nursing home care at Riverside Rest Home; operating a regional jail/house of correction, together with a jail industries program, community corrections program, drug and mental health courts, and a transitional housing program; the County Attorney oversees and provides for the prosecution of criminals; operates a domestic violence unit, child advocacy center, and family justice center; the Sheriff oversee and handles the transportation of criminals, delivery of writs and other Court-related paperwork, operates a Communications and Dispatch Center, and oversees Courthouse security; the Register of Deeds is responsible for the recording of official land transfer documents at the Registry; the Treasurer, together with the Commissioners, oversee the payment of all County financial obligations; as well as a variety of other community-related programs to assist the citizens of the County.

County Government’s Structure

The structure of County government today is modeled after a basic three-branch system of government. The three County Commissioners make up the Executive branch, with responsibility for the day‑to‑day operations of County government, in both fiscal and policy matters. In Strafford County, the Commissioners are elected for two-year terms, at large, meaning from anywhere in Strafford County.

By virtue of election to the State House, a Representative also becomes a member of the County Delegation, which in many counties meets several times a year. The Delegation works primarily on matters of budgeting, exercising its responsibility for appropriating money for County use, which makes up the Legislative branch of County government. It is likely that relatively few New Hampshire voters realize that when they elect their Representatives to the State House of Representatives they are also making them the legislative authority of their County.

Current County Events

Strafford County is made up of three cities: Dover, Rochester, and Somersworth; and ten towns: Barrington, Durham, Farmington, Lee, Madbury, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Rollinsford, and Strafford, and is home to approximately 125,000 citizens. There are ten (10) counties in New Hampshire, of which Strafford County is the fourth largest in population. According to the 2010 Census the County's population was estimated at 123,143, with 80% of the population over the age of 18 and a median age of approximately 34. Strafford County's estimated racial/ethnic composition in 2010 was 94% White, 1% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 0.2% American Indian or Alaskan Native, with the remainder of the population being made up of small percentages of other races. Individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin comprised almost 2% of the County’s population. There were 46,576 households reported in 2006-2010. The Census also found that the median household income in the County was $57,809.

A Brief History of Strafford County Government

County Government in New Hampshire began in 1771 with five (5) counties: Rockingham, Strafford, Hillsborough, Cheshire, and Grafton. Strafford County was organized at Dover in 1771 and was named after William Wentworth, 2^nd Earl of Strafford. Today, the County borders on Belknap, Carroll, Merrimack, and Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire and York County in Maine. The Court system was once a part of County Government, but is now operated by the State of New Hampshire. Roads, which were also previously the responsibility of the County, are now cared for by the State of New Hampshire or the city or town in which they are located. The State Department of Health and Human Services provides services to assist families and juveniles with behavior problems. These services were also provided by the County at one time.

We hope this little synopsis of County government has enlightened you as to the workings at this level of government in New Hampshire. For further information on individual offices and departments within the County, please go to their web page.

Very truly yours,

Strafford County Commissioners

BUILDING COVID-19 PROTOCOL

The Strafford County Courthouse building will be open to the public.

For the purposes of preventing the spread of COVID-19, all persons entering the building should:

Self-screen for COVID-19 signs and symptoms. If anyone reports symptoms they should not enter the building.

Business should be conducted in a remote manner, if/when possible.

Anyone reporting household contact to someone with COVID-19 (in the past 14 days) should not enter the building.

Business should be conducted in a remote manner, if/when possible.

In accordance with the New Hampshire Judicial Branch (NHJB), unvaccinated people should continue to wear a face covering although they are not required to. Applicable to all areas of the Strafford County Courthouse.

Face coverings should be encouraged, NOT enforced.

Vaccination status is an honor system.

DO NOT ask others about vaccination status;

Face coverings offered to everyone;

It is the choice of the individual to wear a face covering.

Operations such as Probation/Parole, Community Corrections, etc. will operate under their own authority regarding inquiry of vaccination status.

Electronic/Remote means to conduct business are still encouraged; however, business may be conducted in person.

Social Distancing and Hand Hygiene are encouraged but not enforced.

For specific information related to Court Operations such as: media coverage, jury trial protocols, electronic services, etc.

For more information regarding COVID-19:

Riverside Rest Home specific updates: please see Covid-19 Information and Updates – Riverside Rest Home

NH DHHS COVID-19 information: Welcome | NH COVID-19 Response
CDC COVID-19 information: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | CDC
NHJB COVID-19 information: New Hampshire Judicial Branch - COVID-19 Update and Resources page (state.nh.us)

                         Raymond F. Bower

Raymond F. Bower
County Administrator