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Member Profiles

Get to know the SEARCH Membership better! Read our SEARCH Member & A. New profiles are posted about every month to six weeks.


Mr. Jeff Kellett started his career in justice the same way a lot of people associated with SEARCH do—as a local law enforcement patrol officer. He earned his stripes as a detective sergeant in New Hampshire, eventually serving as director of the criminal investigation unit at the Gilford Police Department and becoming a prosecutor in Laconia District Court. Jeff spent 10 years as an independent litigation investigator, providing support to over 400 law firms, both nationally and internationally. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration; other studies include aeronautical science and industrial engineering.

Today Jeff is busy directing the operations of New Hampshire’s central criminal history repository, as well as the AFIS, UCR/NIBRS, and Sex Offender Registry sections of the state’s Criminal Records Unit. He hails from a state that has repeatedly been ranked the most livable state in the nation, no doubt a reflection of the fact that New Hampshire has the lowest crime rate ranking in the nation again this year.

Jeff’s participation on the SEARCH Membership Group began in 2005; he has served on the Board of Directors since 2007. He also has served on the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council as both a member and officer since 2004. Jeff has been a local community college adjunct faculty member since 1992, teaching courses in basic investigative procedures, criminal investigations, domestic investigations, and legal fundamentals for the human resource manager. And as if this isn’t enough to keep anyone busy, Jeff also finds time to serve on the Board of Directors of an organization that strives to provide enhanced life option plans to people with disabilities.

Member & A

How did you get involved in the field of criminal justice information management?
My law enforcement career began in 1975, and my career path took me to legal and investigative fields. A little over 12 years ago I was approached by our state police command staff and asked to command the Criminal Records Unit. Not having been involved with the CJIS side of law enforcement, I wasn’t so sure I was going to like the work, or be an effective leader. Today, I can comfortably say my position is one of the most rewarding of my career.

What is the professional success you are proudest of?
Professionally, I would say I am proud of the accomplishments made during my tenure as commander of the state police Criminal Records Unit. As I am in my thirteenth year at this post, I have seen the Unit grow from eight employees to over 40, and the addition of our Sex Offender Registry under my command. I welcome the challenge that comes with my position, whether it is legislative, technical, legal, fiduciary, or yes, even personnel issues.

What is the personal success you are proudest of?
Notwithstanding bringing up two daughters, both of whom I’m very proud, I would say it is having the privilege and the honor of serving as a Board member of SEARCH as well as a member of the Compact Council. I am very humbled by the fact that in both positions I am elected by my peers, and I respect the faith they have placed in me to represent them and their states’ interests.

What changes would you like to see happen regarding information sharing within the justice and public safety community?
That would certainly be interoperability and consistency. Although great strides have been made in recent years to accomplish this, particularly the efforts by the Department of Justice with respect to IAFIS, and other ongoing efforts such as rap sheet standardization, there is still much to do in this regard. Technology will continue to play a key role in accomplishing seamless information sharing.

What is the biggest obstacle?
Territorialism. Is that even a word? I think the choices agencies make with respect to technology are, to a degree, influenced by funding or lack thereof, politics, favoritism, and perhaps staying with a vendor because it’s the only one you’ve ever had. Being in a comfort zone is many times preferred over exploring other technologies.

What is SEARCH’s value as an organization and how has your state and/or agency benefited from its participation in the National Consortium?
New Hampshire, and particularly the state police, has benefited tremendously from the technical law enforcement training offered by SEARCH. Also, SEARCH’s lobbying efforts on the “Washington Scene” and timely reporting to its Membership on federal legislation has been very instrumental in enabling states to make informed decisions either supporting or arguing against such legislation. SEARCH’s national surveys are very useful to states when formulating policy, or allocating future funding and resources for criminal justice purposes. Lastly, SEARCH’s futuristic thinking keeps criminal justice initiatives on the forefront with respect to policy and technology.

What is your favorite SEARCH memory?
It’s actually memories. Each time a SEARCH Member is honored by being selected to receive an award, such as the Gary Cooper Award, I am reminded of the extraordinary work put forth by that recipient above and beyond whatever could be expected of them. I will say that SEARCH’s 40th anniversary meeting in Sacramento was very memorable.

What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy working with my hands. Home repairs on virtually every level keep much of my spare time occupied, but I also enjoy woodworking, gardening and building. Last, but not least, I am a lifelong diehard Red Sox fan.

What is your most well-known trait?
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think I have an ego big enough to comfortably answer this one. But, if forced to answer, it’s probably as a consensus builder. I’m a firm believer in all concerned parties coming away from an issue with something useful or beneficial to them.

One thing people don’t know about you?
I am a shy person by nature. There are times I’m sure my shyness is mistaken as being standoffish or snobbish, which I truly regret, and I do make a conscious effort to overcome my shyness. I’m sure some of my colleagues would say there are times I overcompensate for my shyness! Can I say two things? For the past 15-plus years I have served on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization that deals with special needs trusts for physically or mentally challenged individuals. The focus is to provide as normal a quality of life to enable those with disabilities to live in their own homes, drive their own vehicles, to mainstream them into society as seamlessly as possible. My service in this regard has been very rewarding to me, and hopefully I’ve made a positive difference in others’ lives as well.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my father. At an early age I was told to always be respectful of everyone, and that I could never overuse the words “Sir” and “Ma’am.” Today, some would probably say that’s oldfashioned, but I’m comfortable with that, and still believe it was great advice.

Favorite motto?
“I once complained about having no shoes, until a met a man with no feet.” (Author Unknown)