Former Hancock Interim Police Chief Terry Choate twice failed to meet state re-certification requirements before resigning Tuesday, according to minutes from the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council.

According to the March 3, 2026, minutes of the state’s Police and Standards Training Council, Choate failed to meet requirements after receiving two extensions granted by the state.

Choate submitted his resignation, effective immediately, to the Hancock Select Board on Tuesday, April 21.

The Hancock Select Board issued the following statement on Wednesday, April 22:

“The Select Board regrets to announce that Hancock’s Interim Police Chief resigned his position effective April 21, 2026. We are coordinating with part-time staff and local, county, and state agencies for additional assistance during the search process to fill the Chief’s position. Thank you for your messages of concern. Rest assured, we are actively working on this issue.”

Terry Choate speaking with Hancock residents in November 2025.
Credit: JESSECA TIMMONS/Ledger-Transcript

Choate, who was hired as interim chief by the town of Hancock on May 19, 2025, requested an extension of his reciprocity of prior training and experience certification (known as PT & E), which was approved by the council on June 24, 2025.

According to NH law, qualified police candidates can apply for re-certification based on their PT & E, and must submit a packet with all their prior certification and training, including transcripts, curricula, training manuals, and diplomas, for approval.

Candidates seeking PT & E certification must also pass fitness and tests, and medical qualifications, before starting the process of sitting for Law Package training in order to receive their re-certification with the state.

According to the minutes of the council, Choate was unable to meet the certification requirements within the required six months and failed to file for an extension when the extension expired on November 19, 2025.

In March, Choate was granted another extension retroactive to November 19, 2025, through May 19, 2026, in order to complete his certification package.

As of March 3, Choate had completed the agency’s Full-Time Officer training program, but had not yet passed the fitness test, which is a requirement for starting the process of Law Package re-certification.

The Hancock Select Board was scheduled to meet on Friday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss police department staffing.