Chief of Police / City of Northampton, MA

The City of Northampton is seeking a community-oriented, experienced professional to serve as its new Chief of Police.

COMMUNITY

Northampton, Massachusetts, a vibrant small city of just under 30,000 residents in Hampshire County, is renowned for its rich cultural, artistic, and academic resources. Home to the prestigious Smith College, Northampton is a hub of education and lifelong learning, bolstered by a lively downtown that is among New England's most dynamic. While the city has a rich history, it is also recognized as a progressive, community with a deep commitment to addressing societal challenges through innovative, community-driven solutions.

In recent years, Northampton has embarked on pioneering efforts to reimagine public safety and community care. The establishment of the Division of Community Care (DCC), as recommended by the Northampton Policing Review Commission (NPRC), exemplifies the city's forward-thinking approach. The DCC, through initiatives like the Equitable Approaches to Public Safety (EAPS) grant, focuses on non-police responses to crises, emphasizing compassion, efficacy, and racial and social equity. This reflects Northampton's broader mission to create a more inclusive, supportive, and resilient community.

Integral to Northampton's strategy for enhancing community welfare, the Community Resilience Hub (the Hub) aims to provide a day and resource center for our most vulnerable residents, offering alternatives to spending time on downtown streets. It's designed to address root causes of societal issues—such as substance use, mental health challenges, panhandling, and homelessness—that have historically fallen to and added pressure to police resources. By concentrating on preventive measures and comprehensive support, the Hub exemplifies Northampton’s dedication to tackling the underlying factors of urban challenges, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all residents.

The new Chief of Police will step into a city that values traditional community bonds as much as it embraces progress and change. Northampton's residents are engaged and passionate about preserving the city's historical charm and pursuing progressive policies. This balance creates a unique landscape in which the Chief of Police will play a crucial role in supporting community values while navigating the complexities of modern law enforcement.

The successful candidate will be expected to embrace and support Northampton's commitment to innovation in public safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will join a community actively working towards holistic solutions to societal problems beyond traditional policing in alignment with broader community expectations. At the same time, they must be adept at engaging with all segments of Northampton's population, including those who may hold more traditional views on law enforcement and public safety.

Northampton's new Chief of Police will find a charming and challenging community that is traditional, progressive, and deeply connected to its New England roots while enthusiastically facing the future. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a police department in a city actively shaping the next generation of community policing, where public safety aligns with public health, community care, and social justice.

To learn more about Northampton, please visit www.northamptonma.gov

THE CANDIDATE

The City of Northampton seeks a community-oriented, experienced professional to serve as its new Chief of Police. The ideal candidate will be focused on community safety, building relationships, and supporting the quality of life of residents, business owners, city employees, community members, and visitors to Northampton. The ideal candidate should have a driven commitment to training and professional standards. The ideal candidate is expected to have a demonstrable track record of dedication to professional standards and training and the evolution of training in policing. The Chief also must be committed to a work culture and hiring practices of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a city leader, the Police Chief will be a collaborative, transformational leader with proven executive experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a core belief in customer service. The ideal candidate must be a reform-minded leader with an emphasis on procedural justice, restorative justice, and community trust. The Chief must work to build trust by constantly seeking to improve the policing model. The Chief must be able to respond effectively and with sensitivity to concerns raised by an informed and engaged public.

THE ROLE

The Police Chief is appointed by and works under the direction of the Mayor. The Police Chief shall have the responsibility for the administration and operation of the Northampton Police Department. The Chief will plan and direct the internal and external activities of the Police Department in the enforcement of laws, regulations, and city ordinances. The Chief will also establish realistic strategic planning goals and provide motivational leadership and direction to department staff. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of professionalism, integrity, transparency, cross-cultural competency, and community engagement.

The Chief will engage in public events and outreach initiatives and respond to all inquiries, complaints, and grievances promptly and professionally. The Chief will establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with appointed and elected officials, department heads, federal, state, and local agencies, community stakeholders, businesses, and Northampton residents and visitors.

The Northampton Police Department is a full-service, accredited agency consisting of 60 full-time officers. Its proposed FY25 budget is $6,996,182. The Police Chief will oversee all sworn and civilian staff, including Northampton’s Animal Control and Animal Inspector Officers.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, or related field. Master’s Degree preferred. Graduates of major policing executive development programs, including the FBI National Academy, the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police, or the Police Executive Leadership Institute, are encouraged to apply.    
  • Experience: A minimum of ten (10) years experience in law enforcement, with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible command experience. Candidates must hold a minimum rank of Lieutenant to apply. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. 
  • Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Massachusetts driver's license. 
  • Must have a valid Massachusetts Firearms License or the ability to obtain one upon hire.
  • Applicants must be a graduate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) Basic Recruit Officer Academy (or eligible for a Permanent Exemption by the MPTC). They must satisfy all requirements set forth by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission for certification as a Police Officer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Northampton offers anexceptionalbenefitspackage with a salary range of $150,000 to $170,000, commensurate with qualifications. Benefits include group health and dental insurance, twenty-eight (28) paid vacation days, two (2) paid personal days, fifteen (15) paid sick days a year, paid holidays, group life insurance, short-term disability insurance, flexible spending plan, and a voluntary 457 deferred compensation plan.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and résumé as a single PDF file to Mayor Sciarra at [email protected] . Cover Letters and resumes should be received by 10:00 A.M. on May 10th, 2024.

The City of Northampton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Colonel / Massachusetts Environmental Police

Click here to apply

The Colonel, as Director of the Massachusetts Environmental Police within the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement (OLE) under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, holds the highest-ranking position within the environmental police department. Tasked with comprehensive oversight of departmental operations, strategic planning, and administration, this role demands strong leadership, managerial acumen, and unwavering dedication to law enforcement while prioritizing the safety and security of the Commonwealth.

Leading a committed team of approximately 100 officers and civilian staff members, the Colonel is charged with the vital responsibility of safeguarding Massachusetts' environment and natural resources through a multifaceted approach involving enforcement, education, and public outreach. Environmental Police Officers are entrusted with the responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with laws related to environmental protection, conservation and natural resource management.

In addition to overseeing resource planning and organizational development, the Colonel coordinates activities for Environmental Police Officers, the Communications Unit, and the Administrative (fiscal) section of the office. The Colonel exercises direct supervision over all daily departmental activities, including those of the Lieutenant Colonel, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, and Environmental Police Officers within various specialized bureaus such as the Inland Enforcement Bureau, Coastal Enforcement Bureau, Boating and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement, Safety and Education Bureau, Environmental Crimes Bureau, Hazardous Waste Enforcement Unit, Marine/Recreational Vehicle Theft Enforcement Unit, Enforcement Training, Dispatchers of the Communications Unit, and the Finance Department.

This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team in the crucial mission of safeguarding the environment and upholding Massachusetts' laws, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee and direct all activities of the Office of Environmental Law Enforcement (OLE).

Provide enforcement oversight of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) related to environmental law enforcement and natural resources management.

Coordinate environmental enforcement response efforts in collaboration with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Guide the Homeland Security missions through cooperative agreements with the US Coast Guard in coordinating, patrolling, and enforcing the needs for state and national security.

Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures to effectively address public safety needs and departmental goals.

Provide visionary leadership to inspire and motivate departmental personnel towards achieving organizational objectives.

Provide leadership in the selection, recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion of Environmental Police Officers (EPOs) and civilian staff members.

Supervise all aspects of daily departmental activities including personnel within various bureaus and units.

Develop and manage the departmental budget of over $14.3 million, including federal grants.

Supervise the Office of Boat and Recreation Vehicle Registration and Titling Bureau.

Manage staff planning, organization development, and coordinate activities for various the bureaus and units within the Office of Law Enforcement (OLE).

Provide technical assistance regarding Massachusetts environmental statutes, rules, and regulations.

Adhere to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission’s certifications, trainings, and standards. 

Review, approve, and administer Massachusetts laws regarding Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and vessels.

Collaborate closely with members of the Secretary’s senior staff for support in human resources, finance, legal, government, external relations, and information technology systems.

Preferred Experience:

Thorough knowledge of all laws, rules and regulations relating to the duties of this office and the ability to correctly interpret and observe such laws, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge of the general principles of leadership and ability to plan, organize, administer, manage, and direct the enforcement of the laws, etc., knowledge of modern, scientific, and efficient police management practices and procedures.

Demonstrated leadership abilities in planning, organizing, administering, and managing law enforcement activities.

Ability to represent the division effectively in criminal cases and other legal proceedings.

Certification as a law enforcement officer in good standing with applicable state or federal authority, or ability to obtain certification within six months of appointment.

Advanced training such as the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Leadership Academy, FBI National Academy.

Management experience over specialized units in Conservation Law Enforcement such as a K9 program, Boating and OHV Accident Reconstruction, BOAR.

Coordinates activities with other enforcement entities; State, Local, Federal and Tribal Law Enforcement.

Must be able to obtain a valid MA License to Carry a Firearm and MA Driver’s License.

Qualifications - External

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least four (4) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.


 

Executive Director of Public Safety & Police Chief - Salem State University

Click here to apply online

Overview:

Salem State is seeking an Executive Director of Public Safety. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, proven abilities in supervision, interpersonal and management capabilities, ability to manage organizational change, demonstrated strategic planning ability, and experience in developing emergency planning, protocols, and procedures. The executive director specializes in critical incident response, NIMS, and crisis management; excels in written/oral communication and presentation skills; and exhibits a demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing, procedural justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Required Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor's degree required in police administration, public administration, business management, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university        
  2. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible municipal or campus law enforcement experience, including at least 3 years of police management experience at a lieutenant rank or above
  3. Must successfully complete a CORI and background check and pass a psychological evaluation
  4. 4.   Out-of-state candidates will be expected to promptly obtain a permanent exemption from the Municipal Police Training Committee’s (MPTC) entry-level requirements for full-time police officers, including successfully completing the Massachusetts Municipal Police Officer Online Exemption Program and examination. They also will be expected to become POST-certified within six months of hire.
  5. 5.   Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Commonwealth of Massachusetts license to carry a firearm and must satisfy firearms training and qualification standards for police officers that meet or exceed MPTC standards.
  6. Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license
  7. Must have substantial experience in handling personnel matters, preferably in a labor-management environment
  8. Must have the ability to administer a department effectively, including the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, programs, and scheduling
  9. Must have values aligned with Salem State's strategic plan
  10. Demonstrated commitment to community-oriented policing
  11. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, diversity, and justice

 Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Master’s degree
  2. Campus policing experience
  3. Professional training such as the FBI National Academy, Southern Police Institute, Senior Management Institute for Police, Northwestern Center for Public Safety, COPS, etc.
  4. Experience of successful leadership in a union setting 

Working Conditions:

This is an on site, in person position with on-campus, in-person responsibilities which may require work on evenings and weekends. 

Office activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and interaction with computer equipment; occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 5-10 pounds. 

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email [email protected]. 

Application Instructions:

Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter. 

Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university.  

This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. 

EEO Statement:

Salem State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Persons of color, women and persons with disabilities are strongly urged to apply. 

Please Note: If there is no application deadline associated with a position, it may be removed at any time and additional applications will not be accepted.

 Click here to download the flyer


THE TOWN OF AMHERST / RECRUITING FOR ITS NEXT CHIEF OF POLICE

Details:

Position:         Chief of Police

Location:        Town of Amherst, Massachusetts (population 40,000)

Oversees:        47 sworn police officers; 14 civilian staff (Communications Center -Dispatch,

                        Parking Enforcement Officers, Animal Welfare Officer)                               

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst is located in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts with a population of nearly 40,000. Amherst is a diverse, inclusive community offering numerous educational and cultural opportunities. It has a large student population as host to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts. The Town operates under a Council-Manager form of government and enjoys a strong tradition of professional government with an expectation of high level government services, quality education, support for open space and agriculture, and respect for its history.

The Town of Amherst views its work through the dual lenses of climate action and racial equity & social justice. The Town embraces and is strengthened by the unique and dynamic backgrounds of its community members. The Town believes in fostering and maintaining a safe and welcoming community, which is based on mutual respect for our residents, students, employees, businesses, and guests.

To learn more about the Town of Amherst, please visit our “About Amherst” page on the Town’s website.

About the Amherst Police Department

The Amherst Police Department is a team of 47 sworn officers and 14 civilian employees, including those in the Communications Center (Dispatch). The success of the Amherst Police Department is due both to the strong commitment of the employees and to the support they receive from the community. The Police Department values the trust placed in them by the community that they serve and are diligent in efforts to uphold that trust. The Amherst Police Department continues to identify new and innovative ways to address crime and quality of life concerns, and welcomes input from the community.

The Department works with and cooperates with the other Town public safety agencies: Fire & Emergency Medical Services and CRESS – Community Responders for Equity Safety and Services (an independent unarmed, person centered, trauma informed, antiracist public safety agency).

About the Successful Candidate for the Next Town of Amherst Police Chief

The Chief of Police serves as a strategic partner with the Town Manager to establish goals and objectives focused on the safety and security of the community. The Chief is responsible for enforcing all laws within the Town of Amherst and for overseeing the development and implementation of policies, programs, and practices that best serve the needs of the residents and visitors of the Town.

The next Chief of Police will be a collaborative, transformational leader with proven executive experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a core belief in customer service. The successful candidate will be a highly experienced, innovative, and engaging law enforcement professional who embraces and cultivates a culture of community engagement; who can look at issues differently and find innovative solutions; who fosters and furthers the Department’s community connections, balancing law enforcement and community engagement; and who is proactive in anticipating challenges, recommending innovative solutions, and delivering positive outcomes.

With a focus on creating a strong public presence, the Chief will serve as an ambassador of community engagement, actively participating in holistic conversations on topics such as racial and social justice, mental health, and community policing. The Chief will also act as a servant leader and champion of the needs and concerns of officers within the Police Department, exercising a diligent commitment to improving morale, establishing trust, and building positive organizational culture. The Chief must display humility, flexibility, open-mindedness, and complement the Town's progressive disposition while earnestly cultivating partnerships with stakeholders and constituents.

In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following:

  • A record of success in a comparable community and an unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion;
  • A firm grasp of municipal law enforcement methods and the willingness to analyze and adapt standards and practices to meet community needs and expectations;
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with elected officials, business and community leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and the community;
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire credibility and public trust and interact respectfully with citizens from all backgrounds;
  • Ability to negotiate agreements and/or reach consensus among diverse interests;
  • Ability to act as a positive role model and respected mentor, especially in the areas of customer service, ethical behavior, transparency, dispute resolution, problem-solving, and fostering a culture that values and respects all members of the team and the community;
  • Desire to look critically at the Police Department to determine opportunities for rebranding;
  • Commitment to community policing and the ability to engage in potentially uncomfortable discussions around policing, community, race, and reform. Community policing is meant to be a multi-tiered approach to create and shape public safety policies and engagement that advances racial and social justice across all economic classes, ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and identities. In line with the Town of Amherst’s priorities, community policing initiatives will embody the values of Equity, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation, and Social Justice. The next Chief of Police must be an active participant in this initiative, and must set an example inside the Police Department and in the community during their daily interactions.
  • In addition, the successful candidate will possess the following attributes:
    • Visionary Leadership: Demonstrated competence and willingness to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan (mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives) and implement community safety metrics that are not just law enforcement related. The next Chief of Police must have the ability to foster a supportive, collaborative, creative, and innovative environment that develops staff capacity.
    • Compassion: Absolute commitment to using head and heart to inspire and influence others by consistently practicing empathy, kindness, and sympathy, thereby positively influencing others.
    • Critical Thinking: Ability to understand logical relationships between concepts and ideas, recognize the importance of the relationships, carefully evaluate options, and make the decisions that will most positively impact desired outcomes.
    • Ethical Leadership: Unquestionable demonstration of appropriate conduct, integrity, morals, and ethics through personal actions, deeds words, and interpersonal relationships.
    • Commitment to Community Policing: Resolute Commitment to community policing. Community policing is meant to be a multi-tiered approach to create and shape public safety policies and engagement that advances racial and social justice across all economic classes, ages, genders, races, ethnicities, and identities. In line with the Town of Amherst’s priorities, community policing initiatives will embody the values of Equity, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation, and Social Justice. The next Chief of Police must be an active participant in this initiative and must set an example inside the Police Department and in the community during their daily interactions.

This position requires  a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration or a closely related field plus ten (10) years of proven experience in criminal justice work, three of which were in a position equivalent to lieutenant or higher; OR equivalent combination of education and experience. The Chief must have completed Basic Police Academy Training, be certified as a Massachusetts Police Officer or be willing and able to obtain such certification upon hire, possess a license to carry a firearm, possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License without record of suspension or revocation in any state, and be Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) certified or be willing and able to obtain such certification upon hire.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $134,250-$164,275, depending on qualifications.

As the “public employer of choice” in Western Massachusetts, the Town offers an excellent benefits package to its employees. These benefits include:

  • State-sponsored Defined Benefit Pension;
  • Health insurance coverage with a 75-80% employer contribution rate;
  • Dental, Vision, and Life Insurances;
  • Vacation, sick, and personal leaves;
  • Holiday Pay;
  • Longevity Compensation;
  • Deferred compensation plans;
  • Education Assistance;
  • And more.

Please visit the Town’s Employee Benefits page to learn more. 

How to Apply

For consideration, please visit our Careers page to complete an employment application and to upload your cover letter and resume. This position is open until filled.