Executive Search
Town of Stratford
Deputy Police Chief
Population (about 50,000)
Stratford, CT is a community of 50,000 people with a mayor-council form of government. The Deputy Chief is second in command of the Police Department and reports directly to the Police Chief. This individual, under administrative direction, budgets, plans, organizes, and directs the operation of the department, which requires extensive understanding of law enforcement administration. The department has 112 sworn officers, 7 full-time civilian staff and approximately 30 part-time civilians with an operating budget of 10.2 million dollars.
Salary Range $85,000 - $95,000
Candidates must possess considerable managerial experience. Experience in labor relations, community policing, budgeting, media relations, accreditation and policy procedure and development are also required. Candidates must have knowledge of emerging law enforcement trend techniques and a demonstrated background of creativity and effective problem solving skills. Candidates must show a positive public relations focus towards the community.
Requirements for this position include a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement or a related field and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience or equivalent training. At least three years of experience as the Deputy Chief of a comparably sized police department may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. A masters degree in law enforcement or a related field is preferred. Also, at least three years as a police lieutenant or captain is required. Completion of an advanced law enforcement leadership program such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University or the Southern Police Institute is preferred. Candidate must hold a current Connecticut POST certification or have the capacity to become certified under the Connecticut statute within a reasonable amount of time.
Visit www.townofstratford.com for additional information about the Town including an application. The Town of Stratford is committed to a diverse workplace. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications, which must include a resume and a cover letter, should be sent to Town of Stratford, Human Resources Dept., 2725 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615. Resumes must be received no later than March 20, 2009. To discuss position with outside recruiter contact Ms. Randi Frank, rfrank05@snet.net
EOE M/F
Department Description:
- Detective Bureau managed by a Captain includes a Lt, Sgt and 14 Detectives as well as a Sgt and 2 Detectives that with the State Narcotics and Vice Task force
- Administrative Captain supervises a Community Affairs Office; Records division which includes a Lt and records clerks; Animal Control Office – 3 staff; a Seasonal Marine Unit of 3 patrol officers (May-Oct – 5 private marinas – 14 miles of shoreline)
- Profession Standards Bureau managed by a Captain who oversees internal investigations, accreditation and Training Lt as well as 4 School Resource officers
- Community & Traffic Services is managed by a Lt with 2 Traffic Officer and 4 Community Resource Officers
- The Rest of the Officers are in the Patrol Division (approximately 4 Lt’s, 9 Sgt’s and 60 officers); A Seasonal Marine Unit of 3 patrol officers (May-Oct – 5 private marinas – 14 miles of shoreline)
- Handle an average of 33000 calls per year – Dispatch is handled by Fire Department
- Mission Statement: W, the members of the Stratford Police Department are committed to excellence by partnering with the community to improve the quality of life for all by fostering a safe environment with respect, fairness and a high level of service. In all of our efforts, we shall hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct and ethics as we service our community.
- Vision: We recognize the future and embrace it. We are committed to be leaders in providing quality law enforcement services for the Town of Stratford so that everyone who lives in, works in or visits our community will have a high level of respect, trust and confidence in our Police Department. We will work together to solve problems and bring the community together using a combination of our staff, community members, technology and other resources, while adhering to recognized national standards.
Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate:
- Ability to handle the Day-to-Day operations of a similar size department
- Knowledgeable about budget preparation and monitoring (including approval of purchases and experience with excel)
- Community Policing experience and commitment – Good Communication Skills – Sensitive to community’s needs
- Experience & knowledge of Accreditation process
- Ability to fill in for Police Chief
- Experience with unions, labor relations, grievance procedures, personnel issues
- Ability to work as a team with Police Chief
- Ability to provide ideas to Police Chief – to analyze issues with Chief
- Managing by walking around
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Passionate about police work
- Hard working, results oriented, pragmatic
- Experience with grants
- Ability to think outside the box – offer new efficient methods
Issues facing the Department:
- Many union issues to be addressed – contract up for negotiations July 2009
- Community Incident in 2006 created a strong community policing push
- Current Police Chief hired in March 2007
- A number of new/young officers hired in past couple of years
- Town has only had strong Mayor form of Government for past 3 years so there has been a political change in the community
- Dealing with fiscal cutbacks due to current economy – specifically overtime
- Police Chief has regular staff meetings open to Management Team and Union representation
- Pursuing Accreditation
- Commitment to Diversity (Town Statistics: 2000 census in round numbers 10% African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 2% other minority and 2% two or more races. Police Department Statistics: 109 current uniformed employees; 10 African American or 9%; 11 Hispanic-Latino or 10%; 1 other minority; 11 Women or 10%)
