JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS
POLICE CHIEF
The Town of Brookline seeks highly qualified applicants for the position of Police Chief.
With a population of 59,000 within six square miles, Brookline is a diverse and vibrant
community bordered on three sides by Boston. It is known for its beautiful green spaces,
excellent public schools, progressive social and political culture, and a distinctive mix of
urban and suburban, commercial and residential areas. Town residents are supportive of
the police department and appreciate that the department works in partnership with the
community to ensure that all people enjoy a high quality of life without fear of crime and
with fair and impartial policing.
Town Government
Brookline is governed by a Representative Town Meeting form of government, with a
five-person Select Board and a Town Administrator who are committed to maintaining an
inclusive and progressive approach to policing.
The Police Department
The Brookline Police Department (BPD) currently employs 136 sworn officers, 42 fulltime
and 20 part-time non-sworn personnel. With a budget of $15M, BPD has enjoyed
stable leadership, with the incumbent chief retiring after serving 23 years as chief. The
Department operates with one chief, one superintendent, four deputy superintendents, 11
lieutenants, 16 sergeants, 103 police officers and 16 civilian dispatchers. Officers are
selected and promoted through the rank of lieutenant through the Massachusetts Civil
Service System. Officers and sergeants are represented by the Brookline Police
Association (International Brotherhood of Police Officers).
The Police Chief is appointed by the Town’s Select Board, with recommendation from its
Town Administrator, to whom the Chief is a direct report. The Board effectively
operates as the Town’s Police Commissioners with daily administrative supervision from
the Town Administrator. As chief executive officer of the Department, the Chief is the
departmental authority in all matters of policy, operations, and discipline.
The Ideal Candidate for Police Chief
The Town of Brookline is seeking a proven leader with exceptional management,
interpersonal, and communication skills and demonstrated experience in developing and
maintaining effective working relationships with government officials, community and
civic groups (including private-sector partners), and police department employees.
Experience working in an urban police setting in a labor relations environment is highly
preferred. Under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator, the successful
candidate will be expected to expand upon the innovative policing practices and
community engagement efforts of the department, and to have a proven track record of
openness, transparency, and working with diverse communities. The new chief must be
well versed in best practices in policing, and have the ability to work collaboratively as a
part of the town’s management team in addressing issues of public safety in an inclusive,
democratic governing environment.
The position requires a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in criminal justice, police
administration, business administration, or related field is strongly preferred. Ten years
of progressively responsible police experience is required, five of which shall have been
in a supervisory capacity. An equivalent combination of education and experience that
provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job will be
considered. Additional specialized leadership education, such as the Senior Management
Institute for Police (SMIP) and the FBI National Academy is desirable.
Once appointed, the Police Chief must obtain police certification in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Residency in the Town is NOT a requirement.
Compensation
The salary range is $137,300 to $161,800, based on qualifications. The Town offers an
excellent benefits package including participation in the state sponsored defined benefit
pension plan, strong health insurance coverage, a 457 deferred compensation plan and
educational incentive pay. Massachusetts municipal and other jurisdictions do not
participate in the Social Security system.
How To Apply
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is assisting the Town in the selection
process. For questions about this position, contact Charlotte Lansinger at 301-639-3020
or email [email protected]. The position is open until filled. Qualified
candidates may apply in confidence. For immediate consideration, candidates should
send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of five references by June 22, 2018 to:
[email protected].
More information is available about this position at
http://www.policeforum.org/assets/docs/Web_Uploads/Brooklineprofile1.pdf.
The Town of Brookline is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to
maintaining a diverse workforce.
